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: 540 Total Snaps, 356 Pass Blocks, 29 Pressures, 6 QB Hits, 2 Sacks, 5 Penalties)
The Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive front is built around Maxx Crosby’s relentless, scheme-proof production. Crosby sits first among edge defenders in run-stop win rate (38%) and in the top-15 in pass-rush win rate (17%), which means Guyton will see a defender who wins both on early downs and when it’s time to hunt the quarterback. Las Vegas sits right at league average in pass-rush win rate, ranking 17th (37%), and much can be said the same against the run where they rank 15th.
Tyler Guyton’s individual card is encouraging. He’s 16th among offensive tackles in pass-block win rate at 93% and 10th in run-block win rate at 79%, and the Cowboys’ line as a whole ranks eight in pass block win rate (67%) and tenth in run block win rate (72%). That profile says he’s already sustaining blocks for 2.5+ seconds and creating movement on the ground, exactly what you need against Crosby’s long-arm-to-inside-counter game.
The problem for Guyton is the Raiders can easily photocopy the blueprint the Arizona Cardinals laid out during the team’s last game. The will Raiders look to isolate Guyton on true pass sets and make him handle a fast, two-way rusher without constant help. Against the Cardinals they did that to Guyton and he was charged with four pressures and a sack allowed. For Guyton, the fixes are technical for this game. Stay square in vertical sets to take away Crosby’s inside spin, maintain good hand usage to disrupt the arm, and always keep his feet set so he can re-anchor when Crosby converts speed to power. Expect Dallas to mix chips and nudges from the tight end, but because chips can slow routes, Guyton still has to win a high share of honest one-on-ones.
(2025 Stats: 547 Total snaps, 362 Pass Blocks, 11 Pressures, 0 QB Hits, 2 Sacks, 7 Penalties)
Tyler Smith’s week is all about handling power inside and chaos outside. Las Vegas sits in the bottom third in blitz rate (22.1%) yet still generates a solid 32.8% pressure rate and 31.3% pressure rate when they don’t blitz, which means Patrick Graham is getting home primarily with four while mixing games to stress guards like Smith in protection.
With Crosby leading all edge defenders in run-stop win rate and kicking inside on twists, Smith has to keep his eyes disciplined through stunts and keep the depth of the pocket flat so Prescott can step up. Las Vegas’ top rushers bring different problems. Crosby’s motor and inside counter (five sacks, 13 TFL) demands vertical sets,...
