Archer: Zack Martin not a rookie among fan voters

[Cotton]

Zack Martin not a rookie among fan voters
November, 19, 2014

By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com

IRVING, Texas -- Zack Martin has not played like a rookie all season, but the Dallas Cowboys' right guard says he still feels like a rookie.

"I'm learning something new every day and I've said this all along, I'm lucky to be with a group that we have and it's definitely easier learning from them," Martin said.

And Martin's linemates make him feel like a rookie.

"I still got to get the food and stuff," he said.

Martin's transition from left tackle at Notre Dame to right guard for the Cowboys could not have gone smoother. He has played every snap so far this season. He has been penalized just three times this season.

But Martin said the move has been anything but easy.

"It's been extremely tough and getting ready each week for a very good opponent and very good individual matchup," Martin said. "The best advice I got before I came in to the NFL was you got to have a short memory. You can't get down if something goes wrong because you're playing against great guys and it's going to happen. It's something I'm going to continue to work on and get better at."

But the fans are noticing he is not playing like a rookie. Martin is the leading vote getter among all guards in the Pro Bowl voting.

The Cowboys' five starting linemen are all in the top six at their positions. Tyron Smith is tops at tackles with Doug Free checking in at fourth. Ronald Leary is sixth among the guards Travis Frederick is the leader among centers.

As for the rest of the offense, DeMarco Murray leads all running backs in votes. Dez Bryant is fourth among wide receivers. Tony Romo and Jason Witten are seventh in the balloting among quarterbacks and tight ends.

"If it really doesn't have anything to do with (Sunday's game against the New York Giants), then we're not worried about it," Martin said.

 

[boozeman]

He's only going to get better, that's the nice thing.

Between him and Frederick, they have real attitude that is infectious.

 

[DLK150]

He's only going to get better, that's the nice thing.

Between him and Frederick, they have real attitude that is infectious.

I can just imagine both of them with another year or two of seasoning, because this is starting to shape up as one of the best lines we have had in a long time and that's a good thing because a truly solid line offers the best possibility that Romo could be around a couple, few years longer and even with his warts, he gives us the best chance to be competitive. Martin, Smith and Frederick are a young, solid core.

 

[L.T. Fan]

I can just imagine both of them with another year or two of seasoning, because this is starting to shape up as one of the best lines we have had in a long time and that's a good thing because a truly solid line offers the best possibility that Romo could be around a couple, few years longer and even with his warts, he gives us the best chance to be competitive. Martin, Smith and Frederick are a young, solid core.

Praise Jerry!

 

[Rev]

Praise Jerry!

I figure you are joking but just in case you aren't. You do know we would have had Manziel if it was only up to Jerry?

 

[Carp]

I figure you are joking but just in case you aren't. You do know we would have had Manziel if it was only up to Jerry?

Then he deserves credit for listening to his staff and not just drafting on his whims. Definite progress.

 

[Rev]

Then he deserves credit for listening to his staff and not just drafting on his whims. Definite progress.

Can't argue that and will begrudgingly give him credit for the last two drafts in that respect. I just won't praise him.

 

[Carp]

Can't argue that and will begrudgingly give him credit for the last two drafts in that respect. I just won't praise him.

Will you buy any Cowboys gear though?

 

[Rev]

Will you buy any Cowboys gear though?

With the exception of a new Rangers hat each year I don't buy sports gear anymore. The last cowboys jersey that I have bought or won was the one I won from the Guess who the Cowboys are going to draft contest we had here years ago.


Short answer: no.

 

[Carp]

You are legit.

 

[DLK150]

Praise Jerry!

Nah. It's kind of fuzzy these days who has the most influence in the draft so I don't think Jerrah's worthy of praise unless he's finally starting to listen to other people that are involved. That would at least be progress. Now, quit giving out exorbitant contracts prematurely. In recent years I think the only one that has panned out has been Scandrick. I knocked that deal at the time but he's proven to be worth it.

 

[UncleMilti]

Nah. It's kind of fuzzy these days who has the most influence in the draft so I don't think Jerrah's worthy of praise unless he's finally starting to listen to other people that are involved. That would at least be progress. Now, quit giving out exorbitant contracts prematurely. In recent years I think the only one that has panned out has been Scandrick. I knocked that deal at the time but he's proven to be worth it.

Jerruh needs quite a few more good drafts to undo all the shitty ones he's presided over before he gets any kudos from me.

Its great he has stepped back and "listened" to his scouts and coaches, but its about 20 years too late.

 

[Carp]

Jerry! w00t

 

[jsmith6919]

Praise Jerry!

For making the safe pick? Ok I guess he does deserve some credit, but at this point in his GM career it's like giving a child a gold star for going to the bathroom instead of pissing themselves

 

[Carp]

LT was posting that tongue in cheek, but many serious replies. LT trolled the hell out of your guys. Bravo LT, bravo.

 

[NoDak]

LT was posting that tongue in cheek, but many serious replies. LT trolled the hell out of your guys. Bravo LT, bravo.

F YOU, JERRY!! NO PRAISE FROM ME YOU BASTARD!

 

[ravidubey]

LT was posting that tongue in cheek, but many serious replies. LT trolled the hell out of your guys. Bravo LT, bravo.

It struck a cord because the media has been making a story of praising Jerry for doing "the right thing" and passing on Manziel in favor of another young OL as if that could somehow gloss over the fact that Jerry's mistakes have sandpaper-raped this team for 20 years.

We have a primal need to see that fact exposed, but it always seems to get glossed over with a distraction or three, usually involving Romo failing to win it all by himself at season's end.

 

[Carp]

It struck a cord because the media has been making a story of praising Jerry for doing "the right thing" and passing on Manziel in favor of another young OL as if that could somehow gloss over the fact that Jerry's mistakes have sandpaper-raped this team for 20 years.

We have a primal need to see that fact exposed, but it always seems to get glossed over with a distraction or three, usually involving Romo failing to win it all by himself at season's end.

OK...I am not going to read that far into what LT posted. He trolled and won.

 

[NoDak]

It struck a cord because the media has been making a story of praising Jerry for doing "the right thing" and passing on Manziel in favor of another young OL as if that could somehow gloss over the fact that Jerry's mistakes have sandpaper-raped this team for 20 years.

We have a primal need to see that fact exposed, but it always seems to get glossed over with a distraction or three, usually involving Romo failing to win it all by himself at season's end.

Holy shit. How do you survive when bad shit happens that actually affects you in real life?

Primal need? God damn.

 

[p1_]

This current line is a throwback to the lines of the 90's. They flat knock people the fuck out. I love it.