Dallas Cowboys 2026 Offseason Thread
- Thread starter dbair1967
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I mean I hear what he's saying and man, what I wouldn't give to be a smashmouth time of possession offense that systematically took its shots downfield. That's truly my brand of ball. And it doesn't escape me that this is coming from a former olinemens perspective so that makes it that much more difficult for me to swallow in hearing this.
What I mean is I just I can't seem to get past trying to compare the 2016 oline with the 2026 oline and still be able to envision the 2026 version being a bunch of bullies compared to that 2016 group which is the last time I truly associated the word bully with our oline.
That 2016 group, along with a fresh legged rookie Zeke, was the prime example of bullies he's referring to.
Its just practically impossible for me to think this year's group can do what the 2016 group did.
Sorry, just my opinion.
dbair1967
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You are comparing apples to oranges IMO.
That 2016 OL had two legit Hall of Famers in their primes and a 3rd probably would have a good case for it had his career not been ended prematurely by a fluke disease. Also two vastly different blocking schemes.
The difference between the two seasons in terms of numbers is not as great as you think it is. For the season the 2016 team had a total of 260 more yards rushing, averaged 0.2 yds per carry more and had 6 more rushing touchdowns than last years team did, and the 2016 team played with a lead most of the time and didn't have a catastrophically bad defense.
Doomsday
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Did nothing.
No, I was trying to offer a general opinion of my own on what I considered a bully o-line.
And yep, you nailed it here in summing up my logic as to why they couldn't ever achieve a bully status in my eyes.
Lack of comparable personnel to that 2016 group which most assuredly was a bully imo. If your perception of 2016's group to last year's is based off comparing these stat numbers you mention...then Im not sure what else I can say if you actually watched the 2 different lines play and still believe the 2025 version was anywhere near the ability of the 2016 group.
So I'll just end it with opining that Colon's attempt at using the word bully is a poor description at best.
Sorry to have not jumped on the pure pollyanna offseason parade float.
My bad.
Doomsday
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There's a vast difference in RB talent too, between 2016 and last year.
Yes, agreed. I mentioned a fresh legged rookie Zeke, to go along with that oline in my original post.
Doomsday
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And last year's line did have moments where they were able to mash some people but 2016s line made regular habit of mashing anyone they wanted whenever they wanted. And bully them.
Yep. You just summarized my whole point. I have seen a glimpse or 2 of run blocking physicality from the current group. But if trying to compare the 2 there really is no comparison. Appreciate your feedback.