Every week, we’re digging into the trenches, offense and defense, because that’s where the real action happens. In this installment, we’re shining a spotlight on the offensive line, who’s holding it down, who’s opening holes, and who’s keeping Dak Prescott clean. Let’s get to it. (Grades given are overall offensive grades found on PFF.com)
Left Tackle
Tyler Guyton (2024 Stats: 26 Pressures, 6 QB Hits, 6 Sacks, 18 Penalties) There’s a chance Guyton takes to the field this week and starts against the Eagles; he’s
been in practice and working toward getting his left tackle job back. Guyton missed the majority of preseason due to a knee injury he picked up at the start of training camp. The good news is it wasn’t the dreaded ACL and now Guyton looks to get back to work.
Guyton’s rookie season revealed areas for improvement, particularly in pass protection. He struggled with balance and body control, often leaning and lunging, leading to missed contacts and quick defeat. Heading into this critical game, Guyton’s ability to adapt and enhance his skills will be crucial. A solid game here against the Eagles could really give him confidence and inspire fans.
(Grade: N/A)
Left Guard
Tyler Smith
(2024 Stats: 22 Pressures, 4 QB Hits, 2 Sacks, 9 Penalties)
Smith comes into this season as the team’s lead blocker on the line. His 2024 season was fine and this year he’s a runner for the new NFL blocking award that came in this season. Among offensive guards last year, Smith finished with a 76.0 pass blocking grade which ranked eighth-best and his 22 pressures allowed was the eighth-fewest. On top of that, Smith is a talented run blocker, and with a new running back corps against an Eagles defense that allowed the tenth-fewest rush yards last season, Smith’s run-setting power to create holes in the A and B gaps will be crucial in establishing the run game for guys like Javonte Williams.
(Grade: N/A)
Center
Cooper Beebe
(2024 Stats: 18 Pressures, 5 QB Hits, 3 Sacks, 3 Penalties)
The worry with Beebe last season wasn’t whether he was good as a blocker, it was whether he could handle the snapping responsibilities at the center position. As it turned out, Beebe took to the position like a duck to water and the snapping wasn’t an issue as the season wore on. This year we should expect to see Beebe take on more of a leadership role and take some weight off Dak Prescott’s shoulders. Having to face an elite inside defensive line led by Jalen Carter is a great first test for Beebe in his sophomore year and create important cohesion with his rookie right guard.
(Grade: N/A)
Right Guard
Tyler Booker
(2024 College Stats: 9 Pressures, 2 QB Hits, 0 Sacks, 7 Penalties)
In preseason, Booker played 28 offensive snaps with 15 of those snaps coming on passing downs. He allowed zero pressures, no QB hits, and no sacks which should give him confidence for Week 1. The problem that Booker faces is the fact the Eagles defensive line loves to crash the right side of the opposition’s line meaning that the rookie right guard will have his work cut out. If he’s everything that fans hope though, Booker could make a great statement here, and he has the talent to do it.
(Grade: N/A)
Right Tackle
Terence Steele
(2024 Stats: 41 Pressures, 6 QB Hits, 9 Sacks, 7 Penalties)
Last year, Steele was the highest rated run blocker for Dallas, and played in all 17 games. The issue with Steele is pass protection where he led the team in sacks and pressures (by a considerable margin). Brian Schottenheimer has highlighted Steele’s improved consistency this preseason, especially after pairing with rookie guard Tyler Booker. He emphasized his role as a communicator on the right side and with Guyton limited by injury concerns, Steele’s performance becomes even more vital for maintaining stability and protection on the Cowboys’ offensive line against this heavy Eagles pass rush.
(Grade: N/A)
Offensive Line injury updates:
Other than Guyton’s likely return from his knee scare, it’s all quiet on western front. In case of setback, however, keep a close watch for Nate Thomas, he filled in while Guyton was out.
