Continuity. It’s a frequently discussed, yet often underrated factor in life. For the Dallas Cowboys, continuity extends beyond the coaching staff and into the ranks of the players themselves. Continuity on the roster brings familiarity and stability. It provides unspoken connections between teammates which can be enormous for certain aspects of the game.
Continuity helps defenders adjust to motion as they redefine run fits. It helps coverage players understand when and where to pass off assignments. And it helps offensive lines perform as a singular unit in both phases of the game. It’s that last item which seems to be holding the Cowboys back this 2023 season.
The Cowboys entered the season expecting good things from their offensive line. It’s a healthy mix of veterans and rising stars, who are primarily homegrown. They know how each other plays, what each other expects and the different strengths and weaknesses of their line mates.
Despite the lofty expectations, the Dallas offensive line has largely underachieved this season. They’ve struggled opening holes, getting up field for second-level blocks, and protecting the passer. Individually, there have been a few standouts, but as a unit, it’s been disappointing.
Pass protection composite ratings through Week 7
— Poor NYC teams
— I wonder what it is about the Jags that makes ESPN's approach really dislike them
— Despite all the sacks, WAS o-line really isn't that bad pic.twitter.com/sesMyR52tz— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) October 25, 2023
The Cowboys composite grade gained from PFF film grades, SIS scores and ESPN’s metrics show the Cowboys are sitting in the middle of the pack. The offensive line hasn’t been a disaster, but it hasn’t been an asset either.
It’s important to keep in mind, quarterback Dak Prescott is averaging just 2.62 seconds on all drop backs. Per PFF, only nine passers have a lower time to throw this season, so he isn’t asking much of his offensive line.
Yet on passes delivered in under 2.5 seconds, Prescott is pressured the eighth most in the NFL, at a pressure rate of 7.1%.
Why such pedestrian play?
Continuity. Or rather, lack thereof.
While teams like Kansas City has had the same group playing 446 snaps together, the Cowboys’ most frequent combination has played just 92 snaps. Dallas’ second most frequent combination has also played 92 snaps. Their third most frequent combination is at 90 snaps. No grouping has played more than 23.1% of the snaps together.
To say the Cowboys offensive line has been a game of musical chairs is an understatement. 42 different O-line combos around the NFL have more time together than any of Dallas’. Can we just get some dang continuity, people! pic.twitter.com/jvGT5VgBJB
— Reid D Hanson (@ReidDHanson) October 26, 2023
Per Sumer Sports, 42 different combinations around the NFL have played more snaps together than the Cowboys most frequent starting unit.
Now there’s word Tyron Smith has a neck injury that’s limiting him in practice. Such a situation could further inhibit Dallas’ offensive line from gaining continuity.
With any luck, things will stabilize and the Cowboys top grouping will finally get some snaps under their belts. While most of the individuals have played together before and know each other well, they are using a new blocking scheme under a new coach this season. There’s that continuity thing again.
Whether it’s a child’s home life in their developmental years, a business’ leadership structure and core objectives, or a coaching staff’s styles, strategies and playbooks, continuity is an important component.
Things should improve up front if the Cowboys can just keep their linemen on the field together. If they can’t, the continuity concerns will likely continue.
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