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Watching wide receivers make plays downfield is fun. Watching the various defensive backs match-up and standout in coverage is mesmerizing. Drooling over the different pass rushers rotating in and creating utter havoc throughout training camp is tantalizing. For as fun as all of that is, it’s the situation on the Dallas Cowboys offensive line that has their smartest fans captivated.
For good reason, too. The Cowboys have invested a lot into their offensive line as of late. They’ve filled three of the five starting spots with first rounders, they’ve hired a high-profile O-line coach, and they even made one of the best line coaches in the game their new offensive coordinator. Offensive line is a focus for the fans because it’s clearly a focus for the team.
Everything runs through the offensive line this season. The Cowboys went the thrifty route at running back and avoided adding anyone who might deliver extra rushing yards over expected. It means the running game will be at the mercy of the blockers up front. It’s a great strategy if the blockers are good, but problematic if they aren’t.
Similarly, the passing game is reliant on the offensive line as well. Dak Prescott has some exciting targets to throw to in 2025, provided he gets enough time in the pocket to get his passes off. It’s why the health and progress of Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele are so important to fans and why everyone waited with bated breath as each tackle suffered their own respective injuries over the first portion of camp.
After suffering a mild high ankle sprain last week, Steele has made his way back onto the field and made his impression felt. When Guyton excited the field on Monday he did so by his own power. The hope was he’d have a similarly short absence but as fortune would have it, it’s a bone break.
Luckily for the Cowboys there are a few emergency fill-in options on the roster and even a few contingency plans outside the organization. None of those options are optimal but frankly Guyton himself represents a wild card this season.
Tyler Booker, this year’s first-round pick, has been experiencing the typical rookie struggles in camp. Concern peaked when he was replaced on the first team by Robert Jones for a hot minute. Unfortunately, Jones suffered a significant neck injury that could keep him out for months. It may not be ideal circumstances, but Booker is back in the driver’s seat as the starting right guard.
With so many viable guards on the roster Booker isn’t going to get a free pass. Sure, it’s his job to lose but T.J. Bass, Brock Hoffman, Saahdiq Charles and Asim Richards are no pushovers. Booker has to live up to his expectations and based on his personality type and work ethic, there’s a good chance he’ll do just that.
It’s all about the offensive line in 2025 and Cowboys fans can’t take their eyes off the action.
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