Dallas Cowboys: Reading between the lines (offense)

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.