Tyrone Smith
Photo by: Neon Tommy/Flicker.com/Creative Commons license
Reports of Demarcus Ware getting locked up by an offensive lineman would normally be awful news for Cowboys fans, but when the lineman is Tyron Smith, the news is thrilling. According to SportsDayDFW, Demarcus Ware has admitted that Smith has become the first player to ever lock up the four-time first team All-Pro linebacker. Tyron Smith was the Dallas Cowboys’ first round and ninth overall pick of the 2011 draft. After playing the 2011 season at right tackle for the Cowboys, Smith has made the move to the ever-so-important left tackle position, and it appears as though Smith is ready to handle his business. At only 21 years old, Smith has already gotten praise from one of the game’s greatest pass rushers. To put things in perspective, Demarcus Ware has recorded 99.5 sacks in his seven-year career. No player has recorded more sacks during this time. Yet, Smith has held his own against Ware in the Cowboys’ workouts. Here’s what Ware had to say about Tyron Smith in an interview on the Coop & Nate show on KESN-FM:
The crazy thing about Tyron is he’s the first guy that when you lock up with him, you can’t get off of him. He’s the first guy to ever do that to me. That shows the strength he has and how quick he is on the inside. He’s a very good, young aggressive tackle. When you try to beat him inside, you can’t. He’s just that athletic. Cowboys fans don’t have anything to worry about. He’s getting the job done and working hard.
When you think about a tackle that’s coming from the right side to the left side, it’s a different speed change, but the athleticism of Tyron and how he can latch on to you if you try to overpower him or when you go around the corner, he uses his hands really well. Him being that left young tackle is what we need. We need him over there being aggressive. I beat him every once in a while, but he’s been doing his job.
This is extremely good news for the Cowboys’ team and fans. Protection from the left side is absolutely critical for a team with a right-handed quarterback. In 2011, Cowboys left tackle Doug Free was not up to the task on a weekly basis. Tyron Smith should give Tony Romo the extra protection he needs to make plays without having to run for his life. Furthermore, the Dallas Cowboys ranked 18th in the NFL in rushing yards in 2011. To show how bad things were with the Cowboys running game in 2011, the squad tied for the 30th in the league in rushing touchdowns with only five. Smith’s strength and agility will surely help the offensive line in both protecting Romo and pounding the football. Remember, Smith is only 21 years old. The sky’s the limit for this young man.
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Down and Distance Editor-in-Chief - Jim Racalto @Racalto_SKThe post Tyron Smith Locks Up Demarcus Ware appeared first on DOWN & DISTANCE.
