Cowboys Give RT Job to Former 4th Round Pick — Doug Free

As expected, the Cowboys announce Doug Free as Marc Columbo’s replacement at right tackle.  The former fourth round draft pick was originally highly lauded by the Cowboys, but in the past few years he has failed to show the expected progression.  He will get his chance this week against a formidable Redskins defense.  There is no clouding the fact that the Cowboys face a serious drop-off with the loss of Columbo.  He has been arguably the best offensive lineman this season.  Expect the Cowboys to use their backs to help Free on the right side. 

Offensive Line coach, Hudson Houck, feels Free is ready to step in and do a nice job.

“The exciting part of it is you’ve got another guy ready to go,” Houck said. “He steps in. He got his turn. And we don’t miss a beat.”

An optimistic viewpoint offered by Houck.  I think Free is stepping in at a good time.  The Cowboys should handle the Redskins and Raiders the next two weeks.  If that is the case, then it will give him time to get comfortable at the position.  Furthermore, we all know the difficult schedule the Cowboys have in December.  Pair that with recent history and it leaves an uneasy feeling for many Cowboys fans. 

Also, Ken Hamlin is slated to miss at least a couple of weeks.  No news out on his replacement just yet.  We know that both Alan Ball and Pat Watkins are splitting reps in practice.  We have seen Watkins in that position before, so I think he will get the nod.  Although if I was Wade Phillips, I would try Ball in that spot.  Watkins has been extremely mediocre when he gets in the game.  Ball seems to me to have better ball skills.  The important thing for the defensive backs this week is too not let Santana Moss get behind them.  As more comes out this week about Hamlin’s replacement we will have it for you so Stay Tuned!

Tags: Alan Ball, Doug Free, Jason Garrett, Ken Hamlin, Marc Columbo, Pat Watkins, Santana Moss, Wade Phillips