Last time, we finally dove into the analysis of the NFC East’s linemen.
Though we started by taking a look at what many consider the more “athletic” bigs, let’s now rank the big uglies across this division.
Dallas Cowboys
After talking about the potentially disastrous defensive line last time, let’s move on to greener pastures in Dallas.
I don’t know if any offensive line on the planet is discussed more than the Dallas Cowboys’ “Great Wall of Dallas.”
Of course, Travis Frederick anchors the middle as the center, Zack Martin and La’el Collins start as the guards, and Doug Free and Tyron Smith serve as the starting tackles.
That’s three Pro Bowlers, three first round picks (and La’el), multiple All-Pro appearances, and the best overall unit in the entire NFL.
Yes, they are as good as advertised and they prove it week in and week out. There isn’t much else to say about the unit other than that they are widely recognized as the best line in football for good reason, not because of coincidence.
The one issue I have with the Cowboys offensive line comes with depth.
Ronald Leary wants out, and if he gets his way that would mean guys like Chaz Green and Charles Brown would likely have to step up if someone was to go down.
That could mean trouble for the Cowboys offense.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are almost like the Cowboys in reverse.
Meaning, while I believe solid depth is present, I don’t think their starting unit is nearly as strong as that of the Cowboys.
Overall, I do like what the starting offensive line has to offer in Philadelphia. Jason Peters is a Pro Bowl left tackle, Jason Kelce is a very good center, and Lane Johnson continues to make strides towards taking over the left tackle spot while shining at right tackle.
The two guard positions are where the Eagles found their biggest problems a year ago. But now with Brandon Brooks, Isaac Seumalo, and Allen Barbre, the Eagles believe they have found the depth needed for the interior offensive line.
Philadelphia has a very solid unit up front, but I don’t believe it compares favorably with what the Cowboys have to offer.
New York Giants
The New York Giants offensive line has been the recipient of much criticism over the years, leading the team to draft tackle Ereck Flowers in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft.
Flowers had an up and down season, and one that many felt wasn’t good enough for such a high draft pick. He was just a rookie, however, so maybe things will improve for Flowers in 2016.
Oh, there was this as well:
Another one. Too quick for Flowers at LT. Just missed Eli. https://t.co/XDVCRaKagt
— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) June 5, 2016
Beside Flowers, the Giants will most likely start Justin Pugh at left guard, Weston Richburg at center, John Jerry at right guard, and Marshall Newhouse at right tackle.
While I don’t think this group is exactly spectacular, it certainly isn’t a weak one. Pugh is the best player in my opinion, and Richburg was a solid player for the Giants last season and during his time at Colorado State.
They are the weakest offensive line in the division, however, and it is obvious when you turn on the tape.
While Giants fans will point to youth and upside, the offensive line is certainly nothing to write home about at the moment.
Washington Redskins
Outside of Tyron Smith, the Redskins probably have the best left tackle in the division in Trent Williams. The guy has been an absolute beast since he entered the league, but I would say that Smith has surpassed him as the lead dog in the NFC East.
The rest of the line is rounded out by Spencer Long at left guard, Kory Lichtensteiger at center, Brandon Scherff at right guard, and Morgan Moses at right tackle.
The next-biggest name, outside of Williams, on this offensive line is Scherff who, while highly touted out of Iowa, had a lackluster rookie season in 2015. The fifth overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft is looking to put his poor start behind him, and become the player many thought he’d be out of college.
Scherff and Morgan Moses were both shaky last season, but they were also both very young and inexperienced. Redskins faithful believe the right side of the Washington line will be improved this season, as the duo gets more and more games under their belt.
Who’s the best?
I don’t even think this is a real question.
For probably the last time this series, the Dallas Cowboys are the clear winner of a position group battle.
The scary thing is, as great as the Cowboys offensive line has been these past two years, they are only going to get better this season. With Ezekiel Elliott behind them and La’el Collins having more experience in the NFL, this unit will continue to strike fear into opposing defenses for the forseeable future.
The rest of the division can be ranked pretty easily as well, with the Eagles serving as the runner up, the Redskins taking bronze, and the Giants bringing up the rear.
