(Editor's Note: This is the second of a 10-part series with DallasCowboys.com analyzing the Cowboys position-by-position as they begin final preparations for the July 29 start to training camp. Today will feature the offensive line.)
IRVING, Texas - Two years ago, the Cowboys had three offensive linemen in the Pro Bowl. The other two were considered by teammates to be among the most underrated players on the squad.
Needless to say, things were rather rosy with the offensive line back in 2007. It's funny how that seems to be the case with a lot of things when the team is 13-3.
But it changed dramatically last year. The Cowboys went 9-7 and missed the playoffs. And while the blame game was spread around several different aspects of the team, the offensive line got its fair share of criticism as well. And that's not just with the music critics, although "Free Reign" has been getting good reviews this summer, much to the satisfaction of band members Marc Colombo, Leonard Davis and Cory Procter.
However, last season, the offensive line took a step backward. The Cowboys still had three Pro Bowlers, although one was an alternate. Still, the overall perception of the offensive line took a different tone last season. The injury to Kyle Kosier at left guard left the Cowboys searching for answers all season. Procter started 11 games, but the Cowboys had more success with Kosier, who had reoccurring injuries to his left foot, and Montrae Holland, who had success in two starts but then suffered a foot injury that sidelined him for the final three games.
Left tackle Flozell Adams has made the Pro Bowl in five of the last six years, only missing out in 2005 when he suffered a knee injury in the sixth game of the season. Adams had one of his best campaigns in 2007, but wasn't as consistent last year, giving up more sacks and committing more penalties. Still, Adams was pretty solid as a left tackle, good enough to make the Pro Bowl. If the Cowboys can figure out a secure plan at left guard, he should be even better.
Big Issue: This can go under Position Battle as well, but obviously, the Cowboys have to find an answer at left guard. Now, Kosier has been the starter in the past and there are some that subscribe to theory of not losing your job to an injury. But although Kosier was out most of last season with a Lis Franc foot sprain, the veteran guard still missed all of the off-season workouts as well. Some of that could have been just precautionary, considering all of the foot and knee injuries the Cowboys suffered this summer, combined with Kosier's veteran status. But even if he is fully healthy at the start of camp, it's unlikely the Cowboys will simply give him the job without a fight. Holland has worked at guard all summer with the first-team and has been preparing himself as the starter. The tricky part of it all is the backup spot. While the Cowboys wanted an upgrade to Procter at guard, he might be the best backup of them all because he can play center as well.
Best Position Battle: Undoubtedly, the best battle will be between Holland and Kosier for the starting left guard spot. But that isn't the only battle that will take place. The Cowboys drafted Robert Brewster in the third round as more of a developmental player. With that, he will make the team but might not be asked to contribute right away. That means the Cowboys won't have many spots available when it comes to backup tackle. It will be an important camp for guys like Doug Free and Pat McQuistan, who has been working some at guard as well. If the Cowboys decide to do that full time, then it seems likely Free would be the swing tackle, playing both left and right tackle during the game. And if that's the case, then McQuistan will find himself battling for a backup spot with guys like Procter and whoever doesn't start between Kosier and Holland. Either way, there are only a few backup spots to be had, so the competition should be interesting.
Rookie Watch: The only rookie lineman with a good chance of making this team is Robert Brewster, a third-round pick from Ball State. He worked with the second-team offense during parts of the mini-camp and OTA practices. The Cowboys will give him plenty of chances to develop, but if it takes a while, he won't be asked to play right away. Not only are the starters set at offensive tackle, but Free and McQuistan should be ready enough to step in if there is an injury. But the Cowboys like Brewster's ability, especially with his 6-4, 325-pound frame.
Don't Forget About...: This spot is usually reserved for a darkhorse rookie to make the team. But let's not forget about Marc Colombo. He's often overlooked when analyzing the offensive line, but he might be the team's most consistent blocker. Plus, as he showed in the first half against Tampa Bay last season, Colombo has a mean streak that can ignite the entire offense. He's got a fighter's mentality that can feed the team. He might not be the most glamorous player on the Cowboys, or the line for that matter, but quietly, Colombo has become an anchor in his own right.
Roster Breakdown: Flozell Adams - Gets criticized for too many false starts, but if he can keep Romo's blindside protected, he's doing his job. Leonard Davis - One of two Cowboys players ever (La'Roi Glover) to make the Pro Bowl in his first two seasons with the club. Marc Colombo - Plays mean and nasty. The Cowboys need a little bit more of that. Andre Gurode - Don't look now, but Gurode is making a claim as one of the top centers in club history. Could he make his fourth straight Pro Bowl this year? Kyle Kosier - If he starts camp 100 percent healthy, he should have the upper hand on the left guard spot. But it'll be tough to hold off Holland. Montrae Holland - While he wants the starting job, Holland has begun a "backup plan," practicing on his center snaps just in case. Cory Procter - Wasn't the best option as a starter, but he could be the best option as a backup; His $1.5 million salary could affect the team's decision on him. Doug Free - Looks to be the favorite for the third tackle position. While it'll be tough for him to get a starting spot this year, the third tackle is active every week. Pat McQuistan - Saw some time at guard, which could help him get a roster spot. If the Cowboys had an injury to a starting OT, he still might be the best option. Robert Brewster - No pressure on the rookie to perform right away, but he could be a big surprise if he can compete early. Ryan Gibbons - Spent last year on the practice squad; Knows the system but still fighting an uphill battle for a spot. Michael Turkovich - Rookie free agent from Notre Dame needs to out-perform Brewster and play well in preseason games. Greg Isdaner - With McQuistan moving to guard, it's getting crowded inside. Rookie free agents like Isdaner need to make the most of every practice rep. Travis Bright - Ditto here. The BYU rookie was a productive college player but needs to get a break early. Practice squad might be best option.
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Nick Eatman - 
