Cowboys O-Line Grades Revealed: Does Guyton Move Back to Starter?

The Dallas Cowboys showed resilience in their Week 5 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, pulling off a last-second 20-17 win despite facing a wave of injuries. Quarterback Dak Prescott’s game-winning touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert sealed the win, but the Cowboys' offensive line endured a challenging game, with rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton leaving due to injury.

Guyton, who began the season as one of the highest-graded linemen in the NFL, has seen his performance dip in recent weeks. His struggles were magnified against the Steelers, raising questions about his future on the line. In a game where the Cowboys' offensive front played musical chairs, let’s examine how the linemen graded out in their Week 5 performance.

Cowboys Offensive Line Grades :

• Star right guard Zack Martin : Overall grade 82.6 | Run block 81.7 | Pass block 69.5 (1 pressure, 1 QB hurry, 72 snaps)
• Right tackle Terence Steele : Overall grade 66.1 | Run block 78.9 | Pass block 55.2 (3 pressures, 1 QB hurry, 1 sack, 76 snaps)
• Right tackle Tyler Smith : Overall grade 64.9 | Run block 75.7 | Pass block 54.2 (3 pressures, 1 QB hurry, 1 sack, 76 snaps)
• Rookie center Cooper Beebe : Overall grade 62.9 | Run block 68.3 | Pass block 41.0 (2 pressures, 1 QB hurry, 76 snaps)
• Rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton : Overall grade 40.3 | Run block 55.2 | Pass block 36.5 (2 pressures, 2 QB hurries, 23 snaps before injury)
• Guard Tyler Bass : Overall grade 31.3 | Run block 50.0 | Pass block 11.0 (3 pressures, 53 snaps)

Despite Guyton's struggles, the Cowboys don’t present much better options ... unless they want to make Tyler Smith a tackle - though he could surely be an All-Pro there if it came to it.

We bet Guyton is likely to retain his starting position heading into Week 6, with Smith staying at left guard and T.J. Bass reverting to his backup role. Facing off against Lions star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who is currently leading the league in pass rushing with a 34 percent win rate, will give the Cowboys more information on how to make their decision.

The Cowboys now face a tough challenge in the Detroit Lions, who boast one of the best run defenses in the league, allowing only 90.8 rushing yards per game. However, their pass defense is ranked No. 27, allowing 258.3 yards per game, giving Dak Prescott and the Cowboys' air attack a potential advantage.

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To succeed against the Lions, the Cowboys will need to establish the run game early, even against Detroit’s stout front. If Dallas can move the ball on the ground, it will open opportunities for Prescott and star receiver CeeDee Lamb to exploit the Lions’ vulnerable secondary, giving the Cowboys a chance to continue their winning ways. ... and maybe prevent Guyton from being exposed as the first-rounder experiences his expected baptism by fire.