Cowboys Missing Critical Offensive Linemen in Week 16

The offensive line has been the Dallas Cowboys’ strongest suit for the last few seasons. The giants in the trenches have been the cornerstones keeping Dallas’ squad together, regardless of the drama or inconsistent play affecting the rest of the offense. A team must rely on its most dependable resources at this stage of the season in order to get to the postseason.

Cowboys’ Best Two Offensive Linemen Out on Wednesday

This season, Dallas has relied heavily on their offensive line, but their two greatest players are without a doubt left tackle Tyron Smith and right guard Zach Martin.

Sadly, Dallas’ two finest offensive linemen did not practice on Wednesday, and it is unlikely that they will play on Sunday against the formidable Miami Dolphins.

Smith has been with the team since he was drafted with the ninth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and has gone on to be named to eight pro bowls in that span.  Martin was drafted by Dallas with the sixteenth pick in the 2014 NFL Draft and has been named first team All-Pro six times in that span.  It can be left unsaid that missing these two brutes would be a major setback for Dallas this weekend.

Dallas’ offensive line has helped quarterback Dak Prescott put up excellent numbers this season; despite the lack of consistency in the running game, Prescott has been in the running for the Most Valuable Player award the whole season. Prescott might have to rely more on his mediocre elusiveness to make plays without his greatest weapons because the pocket might not appear nearly as clean as it usually does for him.

The injuries could not have come at a worse time for Dallas, who are fighting for a thrilling NFC East victory over the formidable Philadelphia Eagles. Dallas practically can’t afford to lose another game this season and currently depends on the tiebreaker to keep Philadelphia at bay.

Dallas will likely start backup left tackle Chuma Edoga in place of Smith and undrafted rookie right guard T.J. Bass in place of Martin.  Neither of the two backups have seem substantial time in blockbuster games this season.  Bass will most likely need additional help in the form of double teams and chips to defend his star quarterback from elite defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.

Dallas plays the NFC Powerhouse Detroit Lions and the losing Washington Commanders to end the season after their matchup with Miami. In order to defeat the Eagles and even challenge San Francisco for the top NFC spot, Dallas will require all the assistance it can get. In the NFL Playoffs of 2023, only the top seed will still receive a first-round bye and an advantage because of recent rule changes.

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