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: 402 Total Snaps, 259 Pass Blocks, 21 Pressures, 4 QB Hits, 1 Sacks, 4 Penalties)
Dallas walked out of the Washington win answering an interesting question, if the offense can live with snap volume when the pocket stays mostly tidy. That’s the starting point for Denver week, where thing get more difficult. The Broncos don’t roll in with one of rusher, they come in waves. Nik Bonitto brings the speed, Jonathon Cooper keeps churning on the opposite side, and Zach Allen knifes through offensive lines and detonates protections with consistency. It’s a front that racks up pressure without a barrage of blitzes, which means communication and coordination matter most for Dallas this week.
For Guyton, this is a technique exam. He will need to make sure that speed-to-power bombardment coming at him this week can’t walk him back. Working close with Tyler Smith will be important against Denver to ensure they both keep the B-gap clean. The inside zone on Guyton’s side on early downs will be key to keeping things second-and-manageable. The New York Giants and Cam Skattebo proved this last week by getting the most success and highest yards per carry when going to the left B-gap.
Left Guard
Tyler Smith
(2025 Stats: 415 Total snaps, 269 Pass Blocks, 8 Pressures, 0 QB Hits, 0 Sacks, 7 Penalties)
Smith’s season stats back up his solid blocking efficiency this year. He has zero sacks and zero quarterback hits, and has been charged with only eight total pressures, which is fourth-least among starting guards. All this is a clear sign that his anchor and recovery speed have traveled week to week. The assignment now stiffens dramatically this week and is all about pure trench craftsmanship. Play inside-out and deploy the anchor with low pads, and turn bull rush’s into stalemates. If Denver tries to bait the line with wide alignments, Smith needs to trust Guyton and make sure he communicates effectively to keep the blind side clean.
Dallas can help Smith dictate terms by running inside zone behind him and Guyton to force heavier boxes, then switch to the quick game and use chips when Bonitto flips toward Smith’s side on passing downs. If he wins first contact and keeps the exchanges with the Brock Hoffman clean, Denver’s league-leading rush becomes a collection of contested reps instead of free runners.
Center
Brock Hoffman
(2025 Stats: 341 Total Snaps, 210 Pass Blocks, 10 Pressures, 3 QB Hits, 1 Sacks, 0 Penalties)
Hoffman is vital this week and is a big pivot point in this game. Pre-snap, Hoffman needs to set a clear mike point and match the slide to the most dangerous side. After the snap it’s all about staying rooted with good hand usage. Hoffman needs to keep the centerline firm so Dak can climb, not drift. If the edges start wrapping inside, communication is vital and he has to call the stunt early and trust the back or tight end to tidy up anything spilling into the backfield.
This is such an important battle for the Dallas offense and if Hoffman sharpens the calls that wobbled against Washington, and tightens the guard exchanges, the Broncos’ plan will suddenly weaken. Do that, and the middle of the pocket stays square, the timing stays intact, and Dallas keeps the game on script.
Right Guard
Tyler Booker
(2025 Stats: 291 Total snaps, 191 Pass Blocks, 10 Pressures, 3 QB Hits, 1 Sacks, 2 Penalties)
Last week against Washington, Dallas’ interior had a handful of late calls and choppy stunt handoffs, which is precisely where Booker’s game usually shines. Booker is a dense, strong guard who shows power, keeps his hips down, and sorts traffic without turning his body. His best reps came from varying set depth, staying dominant to erase the quick B-gap pressure, and showing hand good usage.
With Booker thankfully active again, Dallas gets its right-side stabilizer back on the field. His play strength, thick anchor, and sharp stunt recognition directly targets what Denver stresses.
Right Tackle
Terence Steele
(2025 Stats: 471 Total snaps, 300 Pass Blocks, 20 Pressures, 1 QB Hits, 3 Sacks, 3 Penalties)
Steele’s tape from the win over Washington was mixed. Dallas still gave up 13 total pressures, and Steele allowed three of those getting the lowest pass protection grade out of all the linemen. Big picture, his season line stats sit at 20 pressures, three sacks, one quarterback hit and three penalties, that’s a profile that mirrors what we saw Sunday. He’s powerful on down blocks and doubles, but a few late hands and over-set snaps let rushers get into his frame on dropbacks.
Steele’s plan needs to be coordinated with Booker and he’s going to need his help. Against Bonitto and Cooper, he needs to shrink the runway by mixing in short sets on obvious pass downs so speed rushes can’t build up pace, then protect the inside and keep the chest clean.
Injury update
Copper Beebe remains out but is close to returning. He may miss the Denver to continue recovering and get fully healthy.
