LG: Tyler Smith
Tyler played better than anyone, including Martin, who was banged up and still played well. In the run game Tyler absolutely mauled people. He consistently got more push than anyone, even when he was 1 on 1 and another DT was being double teamed. In pass pro, he was a human wall and did well balancing turning guys upfield (while keeping a wide pocket) and just stonewalling them. He also handled stunts well. If I can find a criticism, it would be that he transitions a little slow in pass pro when going out to help the tackle. I think some of that has to do with lack of trust in Biadasz, even when Chuma is the LT. Here’s a hot take: I don’t think Tyler should move from LG even next year. Just a feeling when watching him laterally move to help his tackle…I’m not sure he has the lateral quickness.
RG: Zack Martin
Even hurt, this guy is just so clean. He still got good push in the run game and got guys turned. He’s just a perfect technician. If he had freak athleticism he’d easily be one of the top 5 greatest OL of all time IMO. In pass pro, he was clean (unlike his neighbors) and handled stunts well. I hope he can play against the 9ers. We need him. Definitely a fall off when Bass came in. Honestly Zack can play until he’s 38 if he wants.
RT: Terrance Steele
In the run game, Steele shines. He gets good push and can combo and reach block well. Him and Martin have an unspoken way of moving in the run game. He struggled a few times in the pass game. Very early in the game he straight got beat outside and allowed a hit on Dak who still made a play. He also technically allowed a sack by getting beat outside, but the sack was more Biadasz’s fault. Dak evaded the first rusher and Steeles guy got him. IMO, Steele is going through something similar to Gallup. Unlike Gallup, his journey back from an ACL will be less noticeable due to his position, and I expect gradual improvement throughout the year, but I think Steele won’t truly be 100% until 2024
LT: Chuma Edoga
Chuma actually played significantly better this week. I think partially that is because NEs rushers are more power oriented than speed oriented, and he excels there. He plays very well in the run game with lots of power. I think the coaches likely see him as a good run player with ‘meh’ pass pro, which is tolerable in WC. He let a couple guys get by him in pass pro, and struggled with stunts a couple times. Hot take: I would love to keep Chuma here next year as a backup guard and emergency backup tackle. If he, Bass and Ball are backing up the IOL I’d love that.
Bonus note: I’d really like to see Asim Richards at LT sometime this season.
C: Tyler Biadasz
I don’t think the Cowboys are gonna extend Tyler. In fact, personally I’m more comfy going into 2024 with Tyron, Asim and Chuma at LT than with Tyler at C. In the run game, Tyler seems to get maybe 1 yard of push and really doesn’t seem to contribute much when double teaming. I haven’t seen him combo block well at all and he just can’t turn his man and let a couple guys into the backfield off the snap. In the other hand, in pass pro Tyler gets turned a lot, and gets pushed back pretty easily. One of Daks sacks was a stunt missed completely by Tyler that got instant pressure, which SUCKS because deuce had a crossing screen with 0 people in front of him. Hot Take: C will be a bigger need this off-season than LT IMHO. I think you can make a bigger improvement to the line by upgrading Center to really solidify the core of the line.
Sack analysis:
3 total sacks
1. First was the Biadasz botched stunt pickup followed by Steele getting beat. I think Dak would’ve thrown it if Tyler hadnt gotten beat. Nifty screen setup
2. Second was a naked bootleg. Great play by the defender staying on Dak. Dak just doesn’t have the elusiveness to make LBs miss anymore.
3. Third is on Dak IMO. Deuce was on his left and they blitzed from the right side. Deuce tried to get there but Dak (infuriatingly sometimes) didn’t climb the pocket.
Special note1 : If you want to watch a REALLY good pocket climber, watch Sam Howell against Philly. He’s not the best qb but he’s really good at climbing the pocket
Special note 2: Don’t be discouraged about Deuce. He just got very unlucky with guys instantly in the backfield or was in on obvious run downs. He will get more looks and will shine when a hole opens
