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 for the running backs, and who’s keeping Dak Prescott clean. Let’s get to it.
Left Tackle
Tyler Guyton
(2025 Stats: 473 Total Snaps, 305 Pass Blocks, 24 Pressures, 6 QB Hits, 1 Sacks, 5 Penalties)
Guyton goes into Arizona with a clear to-do list after Denver exposed a few issues. In a game where Dallas conceded two sacks and 19 total pressures, he was tagged for three pressures and a drive-stalling flag, most of it coming when speed-to-power turned into inside counters. The Cardinals won’t bring a single threat, they instead try to sack as unit and Nick Rallis’ front has logged 12 sacks, that’s the fourth least so far this season. The defense leans on Josh Sweat and Baron Browning off the edge, and they combined for seven of those 12 sacks, while Calais Campbell and the interior try to knife through on twists.
Communication is key for Guyton this week. Both Guyton and Tyler Smith must treat every third down like the inevitable stunt is coming, so being prepared for it together means they are ready to pass off their initial block to pick up the stunt rusher.
The reason for optimism is warranted against the Cardinals with Guyton due to his best traits. Size, length, recovery footwork, and a functional anchor all stack up perfectly against Arizona’s by-committee rush. Guyton can set the tone here and help keep the tempo for Dak and the rest of the offense. He is very much a key part 0f this game.
Left Guard
Tyler Smith
(2025 Stats: 480 Total snaps, 311 Pass Blocks, 9 Pressures, 0 QB Hits, 1 Sacks, 7 Penalties)
Smith heads into this week off a rough afternoon in Denver. Smith was charged with only one pressure, but he did surrender a crucial sack. The Cardinals’ pass rush has been more bark than bite so far this year with a 17% pressure rate (27th), and 20% blitz rate (24th), which means they try to win with movement and angles up front rather than a constant one-man army or linebackers breaking through.
Smith can use his power to dictate the middle as the team leans on inside zone and quick plays to move the pocket, stalling Arizona’s ability to get to Dak quickly. On third-down plays, the combination of Smith and Guyton working in unison will play a vital key in keeping drives alive.
Center
Brock Hoffman
(2025 Stats: 415 Total Snaps, 256 Pass Blocks, 11 Pressures, 4 QB Hits, 1 Sacks, 2 Penalties)
We’ll briefly review Hoffman, but it seems likely that Cooper Beebe will be back as the center on Monday night. Hoffman has once again proved he is a capable player who has the ability to start for many teams in the NFL. His work in the middle while various other were in and out of the lineup helped keep the Dallas offense on track. He’s smart and tenacious, and gives the Cowboys line some toughness.
He may not be the most technically gifted, but he can certainly hold his own. Salute to Hoffman for the work he did holding it down while Beebe recuperated.
Right Guard
Tyler Booker
(2025 Stats: 365 Total snaps, 237 Pass Blocks, 11 Pressures, 3 QB Hits, 1 Sacks, 2 Penalties)
Booker’s week is about turning last Sunday’s lessons in Denver into cleaner, faster answers on the right side. The rough moments came with a couple recognition problems that led to problems in the backfield, and one or two technique problems leading to bad plays or a penalty. But overall, Booker was pretty good on an offensive line that struggled last week, and that’s a positive thing.
Arizona will look to probe Booker this week in a different way. This week it’s all about movement, not about volume. Booker will need to be ready for the loops and stunts from Arizona and have quicker recognition of when to let go of one block to pick up another. Up and down the line they will need good communication, and Booker specifically with Terence Steele.
Right Tackle
Terence Steele
(2025 Stats: 471 Total snaps, 300 Pass Blocks, 20 Pressures, 1 QB Hits, 3 Sacks, 3 Penalties)
Steele’s Denver tape was a reminder that life at right tackle is a split-second business. He had a few late hand strikes that let speed convert to power, and also suffered from a late recognition of a stunt. Arizona will want to hit those same cracks with motion and angles more than brute force. The answer for Steele is variety and timing, not hero reps.
The trade of rushers with Booker is important and using his feet, not his shoulders will help them both. If Steele tightens his punch timing, protects inside first, and keeps the exchanges clean with Booker, Prescott should have time.
Injury update
Copper Beebe edges closer to return and looks like he will be active for this weekend’s game. Keep an eye on his name during this week’s practice report and any news on his return here on BTB.
