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JEAN-JACQUES TAYLOR / The Dallas Morning News | jjtaylor@dallasnews.com
The Cowboys released Flozell Adams in the off-season because they believed in Doug Free.
The fourth-year veteran did nothing to disappoint in the Cowboys' first preseason game of the season. Free, starting at left tackle, did a nice job run- and pass-blocking, especially against Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom, who had eight sacks in his first six games until an Achilles injury ended his season.
Now, some of you can relax.
There have been so many questions about Free's ability to competently replace Adams. Maybe the Cowboys created some of those questions with the addition of Alex Barron in the off-season.
While there's a big difference between the first preseason game and the regular-season opener against Washington, Free has shown every indication he can handle the job.
Free started seven games at right tackle last season, when Marc Colombo suffered a leg injury, and did such a good job the Cowboys decided they would put the younger, cheaper player at one of the offensive line's most important positions.
The Cowboys like Free's athleticism, especially in the running game. They think his agility and quickness will allow the Cowboys to pull and add another element to their running game.
As a pass blocker, Free has been excellent. He uses his long arms to keep defensive ends at bay, and when he has been beaten, he uses his balance and athleticism to recover quickly.
Free is competing with Barron, a former first-round pick, but he has a considerable edge.
The Cowboys released Flozell Adams in the off-season because they believed in Doug Free.
The fourth-year veteran did nothing to disappoint in the Cowboys' first preseason game of the season. Free, starting at left tackle, did a nice job run- and pass-blocking, especially against Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom, who had eight sacks in his first six games until an Achilles injury ended his season.
Now, some of you can relax.
There have been so many questions about Free's ability to competently replace Adams. Maybe the Cowboys created some of those questions with the addition of Alex Barron in the off-season.
While there's a big difference between the first preseason game and the regular-season opener against Washington, Free has shown every indication he can handle the job.
Free started seven games at right tackle last season, when Marc Colombo suffered a leg injury, and did such a good job the Cowboys decided they would put the younger, cheaper player at one of the offensive line's most important positions.
The Cowboys like Free's athleticism, especially in the running game. They think his agility and quickness will allow the Cowboys to pull and add another element to their running game.
As a pass blocker, Free has been excellent. He uses his long arms to keep defensive ends at bay, and when he has been beaten, he uses his balance and athleticism to recover quickly.
Free is competing with Barron, a former first-round pick, but he has a considerable edge.
