The Cowboys Offensive Line: Week 1& 2 Inconsistency

Run Blocking: A Potential Strength

Statistically, Dallas’ offensive line run blocking has been a bright spot.

The Cowboys rank 17th in yards before contact per carry (2.00) and have a 16.0% stuffed run rate, one of the lowest in the league.

Their 72% run block win rate is slightly above league average, but the film and grading suggest they are creating quality lanes for Javonte Williams.

PFF grades back up this strength—Terence Steele (78.9 RBLK) leads the team, followed closely by Tyler Smith and Cooper Beebe, who have both graded solidly above 60.0 as run blockers.

The offensive lines performance has allowed Dallas to lean on the ground game and stay balanced on offense despite inconsistent pass protection.

Pass Protection: The Achilles’ Heel

Where the Cowboys offensive line struggles most is in pass blocking. Their 67% pass block win rate ranks 12th, but the PFF grades tell a more concerning story.

Second-year left tackle Tyler Guyton has posted a 26.1 pass block grade, one of the lowest among starting tackles in the NFL. He has already allowed five pressures in Week 1 alone, which contributed to Prescott facing unnecessary hits and hurries.

Right tackle Terence Steel has been serviceable but not elite, with a 59.3 pass blocking grade and four pressures allowed through two games.

Interior protection has been slightly better, with Beebe (66.3 PBLK) and Tyler Smith (58.7 PBLK) holding up reasonably well, though both have allowed multiple hurries.

If Dallas wants to take the next step offensively, improving communication and technique in pass sets will be critical. Prescott has been efficient when kept clean, but pressure rates near 30% will eventually derail drives.

Individual Standout, Concerns, and Next Man Up

• Cooper Beebe: Before his injury, Beebe was one of Dallas’ most consistent linemen, posting a 70.4 offensive grade and a near-elite 97.1 pass-blocking efficiency. His absence will be felt, especially in communication.
• Brock Hoffman: Hoffman will now step in as the starting center. While he has just 16 snaps this season, his 63.6 pass block grade and perfect 100% efficiency in limited reps show he can hold up in protection.
• Terence Steele: Dallas’ most reliable lineman so far, Steele is the only Cowboys lineman with strong run-blocking grades and above-average efficiency in pass pro.
• Tyler Guyton: The biggest liability two games into the season. The Cowboys’ 2024 first-round pick has elite athletic traits but still needs significant refinement. His low pass-block grade highlights his struggles against speed rushers.
• Tyler Booker: Grading inconsistently in both phases, the rookie first-round pick has allowed four pressures with a 34.2 pass blocking grade—a number that needs to climb if the Cowboys want to dominate in the trenches.

Outlook Moving Forward

The Cowboys’ offensive line is trending toward being a top-10 run-blocking unit, but pass protection remains suspect.

Hoffman will face a baptism by fire, but if he can stabilize the middle and Guyton takes a step forward, this group has the potential to become a strength by mid-season.

For now, expect Dallas to lean heavily on the run game and quick passing concepts to neutralize pressure until their young tackles and new center gel. The talent is there for this offensive line, it’s just about execution and consistency.