2025-11-15 14:01
As I sit here watching the Cowboys struggle through another season, I can't help but focus on what's become painfully obvious - their offensive line issues are reaching critical levels. Having followed this team for over a decade, I've seen how incremental upgrades can sometimes create the illusion of progress without actually solving the core problem. Much like the reference material discusses about Metal Slug Tactics, where adding more loadouts and abilities doesn't necessarily translate to better performance, the Cowboys have been making what I'd call "sideways moves" rather than genuine improvements.
The situation reminds me of that gaming analogy in a very real way. When you're playing those roguelike games and you keep earning cash to add more options, but none of them actually make you more powerful, you eventually hit a wall. That's exactly where Dallas finds itself right now. They've been adding pieces to their offensive line puzzle, but they're not getting meaningfully better. Last season, they allowed 42 sacks - that's 12 more than the league average - and their rushing yards per attempt dropped to 3.8, which placed them in the bottom quarter of the NFL. These aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet; they're symptoms of a deeper structural issue that needs addressing.
What really frustrates me about the current approach is how reactive it's become. They're treating symptoms rather than the disease. When Tyron Smith misses games, which happens about 30% of the time based on his last three seasons, the entire system collapses like a house of cards. The backup plan seems to involve hoping that different combinations of average players will somehow click, but that's like expecting to win the lottery. The reference material talks about how buying abilities just adds them to the potential upgrade pool, and taking advantage comes down to luck. Well, counting on luck is no way to build an offensive line in the NFL.
I've been crunching the numbers, and here's what the data shows me: Over the past 23 games, the Cowboys have used four different starting combinations on the offensive line. Each change was supposed to provide an upgrade, but the results have been consistently mediocre. Their pass block win rate has hovered around 52% during this period, which ranks them 24th in the league. That's simply not good enough for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. The running game has been even more concerning, with Ezekiel Elliott averaging just 3.9 yards per carry behind this line last season - his lowest since his rookie year.
What they need isn't more options; they need better ones. The gaming comparison really hits home here - having more loadouts doesn't help if they're all essentially the same quality. Dallas needs to stop collecting mid-tier linemen and make a serious investment in elite talent. I'm talking about using their first-round pick on a can't-miss offensive tackle prospect or making a bold trade for an established veteran. They've been too conservative in their approach, and it's costing them dearly. Look at what Philadelphia did last year - they went out and got Jordan Mailata developed, and now they have one of the best left tackles in football. That's the kind of decisive move Dallas needs to make.
The coaching aspect can't be overlooked either. Offensive line coach Joe Philbin has been with the team since 2020, and during his tenure, the unit has gradually declined. I'm not saying it's all his fault, but sometimes a fresh perspective can work wonders. The techniques being taught don't seem to be translating to consistent performance on game days. I've noticed particular struggles with handling stunts and blitz packages - they've allowed 18 sacks on disguised pressures this season alone. That tells me there's either a preparation issue or a talent gap, possibly both.
Here's what I would do if I were calling the shots: First, I'd target at least two new starting-caliber linemen in free agency or through trades. Then I'd use my top draft pick on the best available offensive lineman, regardless of position. The days of waiting until the fourth round to address the line need to end. Second, I'd implement a more aggressive strength and conditioning program specifically tailored to offensive linemen. The number of muscle-related injuries this group has suffered over the past two seasons is concerning - they've lost 47 games to hamstring and core muscle injuries alone since 2020. Third, I'd simplify the protection schemes to reduce mental errors. The current system seems too complex for the personnel executing it.
What gives me hope is that we've seen this organization make dramatic improvements before. Remember when they rebuilt their offensive line in the early 2010s? They invested three first-round picks in Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, and Zack Martin, and that unit became the backbone of their most successful teams in recent memory. That's the blueprint they need to follow again. The difference between then and now is that they were proactive rather than reactive. They identified the need and addressed it with premium resources.
The comparison to games like Hades in the reference material is particularly insightful. In Hades, every run moves you forward, building toward permanent upgrades. The Cowboys need to adopt that mentality - every game, every practice, every decision should be building toward a better offensive line. Right now, it feels like they're just running in place, making changes that don't actually move the needle. They've started the same five linemen in consecutive games only four times this season. That kind of instability would challenge any unit.
As we look toward the remainder of the season and beyond, the solution isn't mysterious or complicated. It requires commitment, resources, and a clear vision. Stop patching holes and start building a foundation. The Cowboys have the offensive weapons to compete with anyone - what they lack is the consistent blocking to maximize those weapons. Having watched this team closely for years, I'm convinced that until they fix the offensive line, they'll continue to be what they've been: a team with potential that never quite gets where they want to go. The time for half-measures is over. Either commit to building an elite offensive line or accept that you'll never be truly competitive when it matters most.