Blogging The Boys
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.
(2025 Stats: 280 Total Snaps, 185 Pass Blocks, 16 Pressures, 3 QB Hits, 1 Sacks, 4 Penalties)
Guyton missed last week due to concussion but should be looking to get back into his starting role this week, just keep an eye on that practice report. The good news is Nathan Thomas was pretty good last week in New York. Thomas did allow a team high of three pressures, but never allowed a sack. With Guyton expected to return that should add better continuity and familiarity to the offensive line. The only problem is concussion injuries are always hard to judge with returning from the protocol, but if Thomas does have to step in Cowboys fans should have some level of confidence this week.
Carolina has only five team sacks this season, and their edge group has combined for just one solo sack between them all. That means if Guyton or Thomas are in at left tackle they should have an easier ride than the threat that was presented to them against the New York Jets. On paper, this Panthers defense will give a soft edge rush compared to what the team just navigated last week.
(2025 Stats: 293 Total snaps, 195 Pass Blocks, 5 Pressures, 0 QB Hits, 0 Sacks, 5 Penalties)
The bad news came last week that Smith would miss the Jets game with a leg injury. The good news is Smith wasn’t made inactive and was on the bench (for emergency purposes). That suggests that Smith isn’t that far from being able to start and we could see him feature or even start against the Panthers, that’s double good news.
His assignment this week if he plays is all about holding firm inside. Carolina’s pass rush has leaned more on interior disruption than edge rushing, with the Panthers entering last Sunday at just two sacks before popping three against Miami. That lines up Smith for a trench fight against power and quickness, something he should be able to handle.
To help Dallas secure the win, Smith needs to play by winning with first contact to stalemate bull rushes, pass off stunts efficiently, and lean into inside zone to stack second-and-manageable plays, shrinking Carolina’s inside pass rush.
(2025 Stats: 219 Total Snaps, 136 Pass Blocks, 9 Pressures, 2 QB Hits, 0 Sacks, 0 Penalties)
Hoffman clocked in at center and ran the show in the 37–22 win. With Dak tossing four touchdowns, Dallas moved the ball at will, and the protection held its end of the bargain with relatively calm pockets, clean landmarks, and zero pressures in 60 snaps for Hoffman. For...
