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
(2025 Stats: 61 Total Snaps, 40 Pass Blocks, 5 Pressures, 0 QB Hits, 0 Sacks, 0 Penalties) Tyler Guyton’s season debut against the Philadelphia Eagles
was always going to be a baptism of fire. Facing one of the league’s most physical defensive fronts, the Dallas Cowboys’ sophomore left tackle held his own and showed flashes of why the team trusted him as a starter even though he missed most of preseason with injury. Guyton played with toughness and energy, standing his ground against the Eagles’ powerful pass rush. At one point, he even delivered a heavy left-handed strike mid-block, showing a willingness to dictate the fight at the line of scrimmage.
New York relies on movement, blitzes, and stunts to create chaos and test offensive line communication. Their scheme often forces one-on-one battles where technique and awareness are put under the microscope. The good news is that Guyton has the athleticism and size to allow him to anchor well. Staying disciplined with good pad level will neutralize those bull rushes and one-on-one situations, something Guyton proved he could do easily last week.
Guyton passed his first test back from injury showing toughness and poise against a top-tier Eagles front. Against the Giants, the challenge shifts, it’s less about sheer strength and more about technique, awareness, and discipline. If he builds on last week’s showing, his play could be the difference between a shaky offensive line and one that controls the tempo, and that should put Dallas in prime position to secure a divisional win, and even start to change fan opinion on after last season.
(Grade: 42.2)
Left Guard
Tyler Smith
(2025 Stats: 61 Total snaps, 40 Pass Blocks, 2 Pressures, 0 QB Hits, 0 Sacks, 1 Penalty)
While the Giants lack a pass rush as dominant as Philadelphia’s, Smith needs to be on form this week and keep Dexter Lawrence in check. Smith must now be the leader on the offensive line and show discipline and help communicate against a twisting defensive front. Guyton relied on Smith’s steadiness all last week and keeping that same level of cohesion and consistency will be important again this week. His ability to neutralize the Giants’ interior pressure, especially in high-leverage situations, will be vital. If Smith continues to marry technique with consistency this week and lead by example, he’ll be instrumental in controlling the line of scrimmage and helping the all important run game stay ahead of the chains.
(Grade: 62.4)
Center
Cooper Beebe
(2025 Stats: 61 Total Snaps, 40 Pass Blocks, 2 Pressures, 0 QB Hits, 0 Sacks, 0 Penalties)
Cooper Beebe showcased a clean, confident floor, with minimal pressures allowed and strong pass protection against the Eagles. However, against the Giants’ disruptive, mobile interior fronts, his success will hinge on quick recognition of line movement and disciplined technique to protect against stunts and bendy rushers. Though powerful, Beebe can be challenged by more agile interior rushers who can bend and win in space, a noted limitation of his game and something he’ll face a lot this week.
(Grade: 70.4)
Right Guard
Tyler Booker
(2025 Stats: 61 Total snaps, 40 Pass Blocks, 2 Pressures, 0 QB Hits, 0 Sacks, 0 Penalties)
Booker played all 61 offensive snaps in his NFL debut. He allowed zero sacks, zero quarterback hits, and just one total pressure during 41 pass-blocking snaps. Booker recorded a pressure rate of just 5.9%, ranking among the top five lowest in Week 1. The Giants’ tempo shifts could create a challenge for a newbie like Booker, so this will be an interesting test for him again. As for run blocking, the Giants defense has struggled against the run, allowing 2,316 rushing yards last season (sixth-most in the league), and surrendered 220 rushing yards to Washington in Week 1. Booker’s main strength lays in his run blocking, so if Dallas can get an early lead they can lean in on the fact Booker’s ability to dominate inside and allow Javonte Williams to play ball control for the offense. If he does that, he’ll reinforce his role as a key stabilizer on Dallas’s offensive line, and that should make Cowboys fans happy about his first-round draft capital.
(Grade: 55.7)
Right Tackle
Terence Steele
(2025 Stats: 61 Total snaps, 40 Pass Blocks, 2 Pressures, 0 QB Hits, 0 Sacks, 0 Penalties)
According to Pro Football Focus, Steele earned a run-blocking grade of 71.8, the highest among Cowboys linemen in Week 1. He conceded just two pressures while being tasked with handling the Eagles outside pass rush, not an easy task. Despite his Week 1 performance, there are lingering worries about Steele’s consistency in pass protection. Throughout 2024, he allowed a high number of pressures, ranking among the league’s worst at the tackle position, so this year is extremely important for him and prove that last season was down to his recovery from a nasty ACL injury. The Giants defensive scheme will force Steele into more reactive blocking, where footwork and anticipation are key. If Steele keeps to his fundamentals with his footwork, leverage, and awareness he could help anchor the Cowboys’ right side and pave the way for smoother execution across the line. That in turn will assist his rookie guard next to him.
(Grade: 64.5)
