Jason Witten to play in space thanks to Cowboys’ strong offensive line?
By Mike Dyce
The Dallas Cowboys have drafted heavily along their offensive line in recent years, starting with selecting Tyron Smith, then Travis Frederick and Zack Martin in the 2014 NFL Draft. That investment is paying off and the Cowboys’ offensive line went from a point of weakness to a strength.
Aside from keeping quarterback Tony Romo upright and safe in the pocket, the strong offensive line could help out one of his most reliable passing targets, tight end Jason Witten. Romo believes the strong offensive line will help relieve Witten of blocking duties and will allow him to get out into space more often.
From CBS Sports:
"Romo said that ideally, with the offensive line looking so good, he hopes the Cowboys can get tight end Jason Witten out in space more and not have to use him as much to help pass protect. The Cowboys were running an abundance of screens as well, and seem to be favoring that element more."
Last season Witten posted the lowest yardage and receptions totals since his 2006 season, catching just 73 passes for 851 yards. By being freed up, his numbers could rise more towards the 90 catch mark, where he hovered at during a run of Pro Bowls from 2007 to 2010, which was book ended by All-Pro nods. Just two seasons ago in 2012, Witten caught 110 passes — a career high — for 1,039 yards.