AUSTIN, Texas (KRT) - Bob Brown, a powerful blocker for several NFL
teams, once said switching sides of the offensive line was like using a
fork in the opposite hand.
"If you don't watch out, you'll poke your eye out," Brown said.
Larry Allen understood the warning Wednesday. In his first practice as the
Cowboys' left offensive tackle, Allen felt like the stranger in a strange
land.
"I'm used to tackle, but I still felt pretty awkward out there,"
said Allen, a Pro Bowler at right guard last season. "It's just different.
By the games, I should be all right."
The Cowboys prefer they do not have to use Allen at left tackle, just as
they prefer not having to use George Hegamin at right guard. The Cowboys
consider both possibilities because Mark Tuinei has a sprained ligament
in the right knee.
Tuinei, hobbled but walking on his own, said he expects the injury to heal
in time for him to play in the regular-season opener: Sept. 2 at Chicago.
The Cowboys, as they must, began planning for no Tuinei for at least four
weeks by having Allen and Hegamin work with the front-line offense.
"With Larry, I have no reservations at all," said assistant head
coach Hudson Houck, who works with the offensive line. "Larry has such
mental toughness that he can do anything he wants."
If the Cowboys add a lineman, they are likely to import a guard. Hegamin
has appeared in only three games in two NFL seasons and has had an erratic
camp. The Cowboys were uncertain if Hegamin could fill the utility-lineman
role.
"I'm looking at this as a great opportunity," said Hegamin, who
had difficulty with defensive tackle Chad Hennings during the day's practice.
"I've sat on my butt for too many games."
The Cowboys would rather move Allen, even if that means two changes on the
line, because it is easier to find a guard than a left tackle. Allen had
a combined 12 starts at both tackle spots as a rookie in 1994 and is Tuinei's
likely successor when he retires.
"The guy is unbelievable," Houck said of Allen. "He's intelligent,
dedicated, tough and a great athlete. He has such mental toughness that
he can do anything he wants to do."
There are adjustments for Allen.
The first is the obvious: changing from the right side to the left side.
That can be physically and mentally confusing, but Houck insisted Allen
would have no difficulty in the area.
The positions also require different blocking styles. Guards, playing in
congested areas, concentrate on getting a lock on the defender. Among Allen's
strengths are the ability to overpower once he gets his hands into a defender.
"When you're inside, they can't get away from you," said Allen,
his grin indicating he likes a trapped opponent.
Tackles play more in open space. Rushers will try the speed move as readily
as the power move. The tackle must consider different blocking angles and
use different footwork than the guard.
The left tackle also must protect the blind side of a right-handed quarterback.
Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman is right-handed. He was sacked only 14 times
last season.
"It will be different for (Allen)," Tuinei said. "The footwork
will be a big change, but he'll get used to it."
Having started at both tackle and guard in his NFL career helps Allen prepare.
Which position does he prefer?
"Guard is easier," Allen said, "but tackle pays more. I've
got to get back over there."
He is for now.
(c) 1996, Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Knight-Ridder/Tribune Information
Services.