How will the Dallas Cowboys offensive line adjust?

The Dallas Cowboys offensive line has been affected by injury. But is there an adjustment that can keep the offense moving?

The Dallas Cowboys have lost two offensive linemen to injury and do not know when the starting unit will play together again. With rookie left guard Connor Williams still getting acclimated to the NFL, the team’s strength and identity is being questioned.

With the interior of the line not looking as imposing as it did a few months ago, running back Ezekiel Elliott might find himself getting the ball in a variety of ways. With the offensive staff’s alleged focus on getting Elliott the ball as a receiver, this could be the perfect opportunity to implement that plan.

While the Cowboys might not have a mauler at left guard and have lost the power and point of attack leverage that center Travis Frederick gives, they still have an extremely athletic offensive line. Tackles Tyron Smith and La’el Collins are elite athletes for their positions and are great in space. Plug in Elliott’s rookie highlights and you’ll see a good amount of runs with number 71 leading the way to the second and third levels.

And with Connor Williams deficiencies in power, he is an amazing athlete who is best in space. Joe Looney has been used as the third tight end before in jumbo packages and had a nice pulling block last week against Cincinnati. Despite his nickname, he too is an athlete capable of getting to the third level of the defense. Allowing these two to get out of the trenches and play to their strengths can really mask a lot of the potential issues the team may face offensively.

The team has also stressed the importance of using Elliott as a receiver. While I don’t expect them to use him split out often, I expect a lot of screens, flares, and option routes against linebackers.

Much like Le’Veon Bell, who led the league in targets at or near the line of scrimmage in 2017, the Cowboys should look to get Elliott the ball with his athletic crew of blockers out in front. This not only minimizes the strain on the interior lineman in the trenches but also gets Elliott the ball in space as well as get quarterback Dak Prescott easy high percentage completions.

Though the team has suffered some setbacks on the offensive line, there is still enough talent to keep the offense moving. While the interior might not be as powerful as before, athleticism is still at an all-time high amongst this group.

If the right adjustments are made these next two weeks, the offensive line can take advantage of their strengths while minimizing their potential weaknesses. Elliott can get the ball in space and do serious damage as a receiver just like his other top running back peers do.

But with this coaching staff, adjustments are a stretch. We’ll see if they can get it done.