The Cowboys offensive line has been detrimental to the team most of the season. However, recently, something new happened. Many of the starting players, three of the five, suffered injuries, forcing backups to play. And the crazy part about it is that they actually did well. Here’s what that could mean for the future of this Cowboys team.
More Depth on the Cowboys Offensive Line Than Originally Anticipated
Why This Offensive Line Isn’t That Bad
After losing several players in the off-season, it looked as though the Cowboys had to start from scratch when it comes to O-Line. With the addition of first-round pick Tyler Guyton at left tackle and third-rounder Cooper Beebe at center, the Cowboys were in for a shaky season. The stats don’t help add to the point. According to NFL Pro Stats, this 2024 Cowboys O-Line have allowed for only 2.67 seconds to throw the ball, an increased pressures rating of 28.7%, and being last in the league for rushing touchdowns.
However bad these statistics seem, they’re actually still highly comparable to the 2023 offensive line. In 2023, the Cowboys offensive line allowed 2.69 seconds to throw, allowed pressures 28.3% of the time, and were 16th for rushing touchdowns. Although there are an increased number of flags against the O-Line, they’re statistically equivalent to last year. And if this does seem like a reduction, that only leads to more hope for the seasons to come.
Injuries Allowed for Improved Depth
The best way for young players to get practice is in-game action. They need to be there when the ball is snapped against opponents who are trying their hardest to win. That’s where massive improvement will come from. When Tyler Guyton was injured, Asim Richards came in to step up and show out at the left tackle position, playing a phenomenal game. With left tackle, that position runs even deeper with Chuma Edoga, whose injury took him out for most of the season.
When Zack Martin and Tyler Smith missed the game against the Commanders, both Brock Hoffman and T. J. Bass stepped in at the guard position and provided an incredible wall against one of the best defenses in the nation. Again, Hoffman and Bass might have only stayed on the sidelines in any other year. But now, they’ve both had the opportunity to take on in-game snaps, improve their technique in real-time, and come out stronger.
Nobody wants to see players injured, especially Pro Bowl linemen who hold seniority on a young line. However, when it goes well, it helps remind the Cowboys offense that they can depend on these younger talents.
The Future of the Cowboys Offensive Line is Bright
There will come a day, very soon, that Zack Martin will retire. When he does, it’s reassuring to know that there are some powerful guards behind him who are very capable. Most of the season has been defeating and challenging, but it has also challenged the players. It shaped them into football machines who are ready to go at a moment’s notice.
In five years, this season will easily be the one that shaped the future of the Cowboys offense. It’ll be easy to point to the struggles they’re enduring now as the shaper for the future, where they’ll have expansive depth behind that starting five. Already, there’s been an improvement at running back, with Rico Dowdle hitting his first 100-yard rushing game. Hopefully, there are many more in store due to the O-Line he’s running behind.
Main Image: Andrew Dieb – USA Today Sports
