Dallas Cowboys: 2023 Offensive Line Outlook
Ah, the Dallas Cowboys' offensive line: a story as old as time itself. Or, at least, as old as Jerry Jones' famously lifted face. Over the past few years, the Big D has been a land of captivating narratives, and as we venture into the 2023 season, it seems as if the football gods have stirred the pot again.
First, a little history lesson. The heyday of the Cowboys, the 1990s, was built on the back of their formidable offensive line. Think of the Triplets (Aikman, Smith, and Irvin) as rock stars, but those guys up front? They were the underrated roadies making sure every concert was a hit. Fast forward to the present day, and it's like watching an epic movie sequel. But will it be more The Godfather Part II or Speed 2: Cruise Control?
Mike McCarthy: The Maestro's New Symphony?
McCarthy, the Midwestern football wizard, is gearing up for his 4th year, and the stakes? Oh, they're as high as Zeke Elliott's hurdling attempts. Despite those beautiful 12-win seasons, the NFC Championship game has been elusive - kind of like a coherent thought from Joe Buck during a game broadcast. The haunting whispers are there: "Great regular season, but..." You get the drift.
Bringing in Mike Solari? It's a bold move. Think of it as swapping out your classic rock vinyl collection for a shiny, edgy new Spotify playlist. Solari isn’t the grandfatherly type, and with him on board, you're more likely to get a gritty reboot than a gentle continuation. His techniques, noted for their intensity, are about to put the “offense” in “offensive line.”
Let's not forget his days with the Seahawks, paired up with Brian Schottenheimer. They were like the Lennon-McCartney of offensive plays—different, but when they combined forces? Magic. That Seahawks period was like listening to a band's iconic album. Dallas is hoping this reunion tour with McCarthy involved will produce even more hits.
The Left Guard Limbo
I haven't seen this much debate about a position since the basketball world fought over whether LeBron or MJ is the GOAT. Tyler Smith at left guard? It sounds like a Scorsese film waiting to happen. But then there's the veteran Tyron Smith, the Clint Eastwood of the line. Ageing, but with a steely gaze that says, "Go ahead, punk, try to sack my QB."
Then there's the Steele situation. Recovering from an ACL is like trying to bounce back after watching Marley & Me—painful, and it leaves a mark. The kid was rising faster than Tom Brady's book sales, but this injury? It's the wild card, the plot twist, the moment when you wonder if our hero will ever be the same again.
The Young Prodigy: Tyler Smith
The buzz around Tyler Smith is intoxicating. His rookie year? It was like watching a young Al Pacino in The Godfather. You just knew you were witnessing the beginning of something extraordinary. But here's the million-dollar (or should I say, multi-million-dollar contract) question: Left guard or left tackle? It's a decision that feels as weighty as choosing between a Boston cream pie or a New York cheesecake.
To shift him back and forth between positions could be like asking Scorsese to switch from gangster movies to rom-coms. Sure, he could do it, but do you really want to take that genius away from where it shines the brightest?
Look, Dallas is in a unique position. They've got the makings of an epic, a potential masterpiece on their hands. But the art of football, much like filmmaking, is fraught with risks. One wrong call, one misstep, and it’s a box office bomb.
It’s time for the Cowboys to decide: do they want their 2023 story to be a tale of redemption, a rise to glory akin to Rocky Balboa's steps scene? Or will it be a cautionary tale, full of what-ifs and should-haves?
One thing's for sure: the NFL world will be watching, popcorn in hand. As for me? I'm just here for the narrative twists and turns. And trust me, in Dallas, there's never a dull moment.
