{"id":134355,"date":"2022-07-27T13:06:57","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T17:06:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=134355"},"modified":"2022-07-27T13:06:57","modified_gmt":"2022-07-27T17:06:57","slug":"dallas-cowboys-offensive-line-will-be-crucial-for-success-in-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/07\/27\/dallas-cowboys-offensive-line-will-be-crucial-for-success-in-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"Dallas Cowboys Offensive Line Will Be Crucial for Success in 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Dallas Cowboys<\/a> offensive line has been one of the best units in the NFL for the last several years. With multiple key veteran departures, the Cowboys will have to find solid offensive-line play from unfamiliar faces. Dallas relies heavily on their offensive line to protect Dak Prescott<\/a> and open running lanes for Ezekiel Elliott<\/a> and Tony Pollard. When the offensive line struggles, the entire offense struggles.<\/p>\n

Cowboys Offensive Line Crucial for Success Entering the 2022 Season<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Recent Offensive Line Departures<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Dallas Cowboys offensive line has declined over the last few seasons after the departures of key pieces. The Cowboys intially put together a juggernaut of an offensive line with Tyron Smith<\/a>, Zack Martin<\/a>, and Travis Frederick<\/a>. The Boys in Blue have made some good moves to piece together holes on the offensive line including acquiring La\u2019el Collins, Connor Williams, and drafting Tyler Smith<\/a> in the first round.<\/p>\n

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The offensive line departures continued this off-season as Dallas lost Collins to the Super Bowl runner-up Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> as well as Williams to the Miami Dolphins<\/a>. The veteran Smith has also missed multiple games each of the last few seasons. After recent departures and Frederick\u2019s early retirement, Dallas will have to look for offensive-line stability in other places.<\/p>\n

Key to the Cowboys Success<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Cowboys go as their offensive line does via the run-game. Ezekiel Elliott has helped Dallas control pace, momentum, and the clock over the past few years. Elliott\u2019s rushing yards and yards per attempt have gone down the last few seasons at 4.2 yards per attempt. If Dallas wants to control the clock and momentum this season, Elliott and the run game will have to improve this year.<\/p>\n

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Ezekiel Elliott has 7,386 rushing yards since entering the NFL in 2016.<\/p>\n

No one has more.<\/p>\n

HBD @EzekielElliott<\/a>! pic.twitter.com\/rEUGExCTKk<\/a><\/p>\n

— NFL UK & Ireland (@NFLUKIRE) July 22, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n