Brian Schottenheimer drops a nugget that raises all expectations for the Dallas Cowboys offense
The Dallas Cowboys offense was already a Top 5 unit in many categories. There’s a big reason to believe it will take yet another step, based on Brian Schottenheimer’s recent comments.
The Dallas Cowboys offense was second in the NFL in yards, seventh in points, and ranked fifth in EPA/play via RBSDM. It did all that while dragging along the worst defense in pro football.
With eleven returning starters, why would fans expect it to be any better? There are many reasons (second year in Brian Schottenheimer’s offense, better chemistry between George Pickens and Dak Prescott, and a solidified WR3 in Ryan Flournoy).
But head coach Brian Schottenheimer just put a bow to the preseason by pointing out the biggest reason to expect a better offense: left tackle Tyler Guyton’s development
Schottenheimer praised Guyton’s improvement
One of the biggest roster problems facing the Cowboys at the end of the preseason is the lack of a promising swing tackle. Nate Thomas and rookie Drew Shelton both struggled to inspire any confidence throughout three preseason games. That led to Schottenheimer being asked if All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith had practiced at left tackle during training camp.
“No, and there’s a reason for that,” Schottenheimer told reporters. “Tyler Guyton is playing as good a football as I’ve seen him play since he’s been a Dallas Cowboy. And he deserves to be praised for that, and I’m really excited to see how he does. I think he’s playing at a very, very, very high level.”
That is no small thing for the Cowboys offense. Despite the final numbers, last year’s offense was inconsistent. The biggest reason why is the Cowboys spent all season trying to mask defficient pass protection at both tackle spots.
Guyton and right tackle Terence Steele struggled in just about every one-on-one situation. That meant scheming up answers to give Dak Prescott more time, and efforts from the quarterback to get rid of the ball quickly. It’s not uncommon for an NFL offense to mask the struggles of a tackle, but to do so for two can really hold back a team.
In 2026, if Guyton’s development translates to better regular season play, the Cowboys will have less to worry about. Terence Steele’s struggles have not gone away. Schottenheimer even called him out in training camp, claiming he needs to be more consistent.
Guyton’s mindset fueling development
According to Schottenheimer, Guyton’s development has more to do with his mindset than with staying healthy.
“I think it’s more of the mindset,” Schottenheimer said. “I want to give Tyler a little bit of credit. Sometimes when you talk about injuries, you’re like, ‘well, you got some good breaks.’ His mindset’s been different. From the time he came back in the building, he’s been different. His attitude at practice, the way he the intensity, intensity that he’s been practicing at.
“The one-on-one reps. He’s playing with a lot of confidence right now. And I think that I would be remiss if I didn’t say how proud I am of Tyler and how hard he’s worked.”
Swing tackle may still be a concern. But the Cowboys feeling confident about their left tackle situation is a breath of fresh air. It will not take very long to put it to the test. The New York Giants face the Cowboys in Week 1, and their biggest roster strength is edge rusher. Football is back, folks.
