<
>

Jerry Jones: I'm really pleased with O-line

ARLINGTON, Texas – Maybe Jerry Jones’ son-in-law slacked on his glasses-cleaning duty Sunday.

Got a better explanation for the Cowboys’ owner/general manager gushing about the job the Cowboys’ offensive line did in the 23-20 overtime win over the two-win Browns?

“I’m really pleased with the offensive line, as it is as we sit here right now with the win,” Jones said.

This was after Tony Romo was sacked a career-high seven times, the Cowboys averaged only 3.0 yards per carry and the Dallas offensive line was whistled for four holding penalties.

Granted, Jerry was grading on a curve due to injuries. The Cowboys had to shuffle the line due to their top two centers being sidelined, moving Mackenzy Bernadeau to center and replacing him at right guard with Derrick Dockery. Then left tackle Tyron Smith suffered a high ankle sprain in the first half, which meant that Jermey Parnell got the first significant playing time at tackle of his career.

“I’m really proud of him,” Jones said. “He got his baptism under fire.”

Parnell had two holding penalties and gave up at least one sack. You could argue that Parnell was the Cowboys’ best offensive tackle, but that’s because $32 million man Doug Free’s struggles continued.

“Our offensive line early had some guys get loose on them,” Jones said. “A guy like Doug Free turned around and came back and played stellar.”

Stellar is just a bit strong, but the Cowboys’ offensive line at least played well enough to beat the Browns.