The Dallas Cowboys Offensive Line is the Real MVP

While most fans talk about the controversy over the quarterback, the real MVP of the Dallas Cowboys is the offensive line.

There’s a confrontation brewing with the Dallas Cowboys; who should be their starting quarterback, rookie Dak Prescott or Tony Romo? Through six games this season, that’s been the biggest story for the Cowboys.

When you’re 5-1, there are worse issues to have.

The second biggest story-line in Dallas has been the play of another rookie, running back Ezekiel Elliott. Zeke leads the NFL in rushing and has been just as impressive as everyone expected he would be when the team drafted him with the fourth pick in the draft. The energy he provides is a big reason the Cowboys are off to a good start.

Neither of the rookies are stories, however, without the play of the offensive line. Perhaps that fact has been lost in all the controversy over the quarterback and in the joy of watching Elliott run. It is all because of the offensive line, perhaps the best group in the league. Without them, the Cowboys would be hard pressed to win straight or be dominating games.

Not only has the offensive line has paved the way for the NFL’s leading rusher, but the Cowboys are at or near the top of all of these categories:

·  Tops in rushing touchdowns with 11.

·  Tied for the league lead (Philadelphia Eagles) in time of possession, holding onto the ball for  33:08.

·  Have the most first downs in the NFL at 144.

·  Second in the league in total offense at 401.5 yards per game.

·  Second in rushing yards a game with 161.2.

·  Second in third down conversions at 46.6 percent.

·  Third in the NFL in yards per play at 6.1.

·  Only allowed nine sacks on the year, tied for third best in the league.

·  Have scored a touchdown on 65.22 percent of their red zone trips, which ranks them eighth in the league, but would usually be in the top three in a normal year.

That is total domination by the men up front for the Cowboys. It’s become exactly what head coach Jason Garrett envisioned when he constructed this roster; a physical group that imposes their will on teams, runs the ball with power and controls the clock. Right now, the game plan is being executed to perfection because Dallas’ offensive line is allowing it.

And it has been done by using seven different offensive linemen. Injuries have forced their best lineman, left tackle Tyron Smith, out of the lineup for two games and limited some of his effectiveness. The Cowboys are also missing their budding star, left guard La’el Collins, but haven’t skipped a beat with veteran guard Ronald Leary, who appears to be playing the best football of his career.

Next: Breaking Down the Cowboys Offense Through Week Six

So go ahead and talk about the quarterback controversy, or debate over which Cowboys rookie should be the rookie of the year. The real MVP of the Dallas Cowboys is their offensive line, and it doesn’t matter who lines up behind them.

You can chat with or follow Ben on twitter @BenGrimaldi