The Dallas Cowboys hope their pass protection bounces back in 2025 instead of another regression like the one from 2023 to 2024. The offensive line allowed the 8th-fewest pressures, the 5th-lowest pressure percentage, and tied for the 12th-fewest sacks in 2023. The Cowboys gave up the 11th-most pressures, the 16th-highest pressure percentage, and the 19th-most sacks in 2024.
Their first-round pick from last year will be pivotal for their success.
The Dallas Cowboys’ LT had an up-and-down rookie year
Tyler Guyton faced lofty expectations to successfully transition from right tackle to left tackle and replace future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith. His rookie season was up-and-down, missing Week 6 with a knee injury, Week 10 with a neck and shoulder injury, and a high-ankle sprain sustained in Week 13 cost him the starting job in four of the final five games. Guyton allowed 26 pressures, six quarterback hits, and six sacks, finishing with a 60.2 pass-blocking grade and a 49.4 overall PFF grade in 15 games and 11 starts.
The Dallas Cowboys’ key piece eyes improvement
During Thursday’s press conference, via Jon Machota of The Athletic, Tyler Guyton reflected on last season’s struggles. He hopes to put his past struggles behind him and see a major improvement in 2025. Guyton changed his diet during the offseason in an effort to stay in shape.
“I didn’t do too good last season. I want to do better. I want to be a guy that can be depended on. … I’m not gonna make any excuses. I just didn’t play as good as I needed to last year,” Guyton said. “I’m coming with a different attitude this year to become a better player.
“Fast foods are out. Fried foods are out. A lot of vegetables and salmon. Toughest to give up? Raising Cane’s.”
Cowboys LT Tyler Guyton: “I didn’t do too good last season. I want to do better. I want to be a guy that can be depended on. … I’m not gonna make any excuses. I just didn’t play as good as I needed to last year. I’m coming with a different attitude this year to become a better…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 30, 2025
He has impressed their head coach during OTAs
“I think some of the new things that come from Klayton and Conor Riley really fit him,” Schottenheimer said, via Patrik Walker of the team’s website. “He hasn’t played offensive line a whole lot. Then he played right tackle for Oklahoma. Then he played left tackle [for the Cowboys], and it’s obviously a premier position, and he missed quite a lot of time in training camp.
“He has not missed a day [this offseason program]. He was one of the first guys back in the building. It reminds me a ton of Jalen Tolbert in Year 1. He was up and down as a high draft pick and didn’t have a great first year. J.T. was one of the first guys back in the building, and Tyler Guyton was one of the first guys back in the building. He understands just how important this year is for him, and not just for him, but for this football team.”
