The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 season was a disappointment, with their offense struggling even before quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a hamstring tear in Week 9. While Prescott’s absence was a significant blow, the team’s ineffective running game was the root of their problems, putting excessive pressure on the passing game. With CeeDee Lamb as the only receiver defenses truly feared, the Cowboys’ offense became predictable and easier to neutralize, leading to a lackluster performance.
Determined to turn things around, Dallas made bold moves in the offseason to address these weaknesses. They overhauled their ground game to establish a more balanced attack and made a blockbuster trade for wide receiver George Pickens, adding a dynamic threat to their passing game. These changes, combined with Prescott’s return to full health, have sparked optimism about the Cowboys’ potential for a breakout season in 2025. According to The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen, Dallas is one of six teams poised to make a significant leap, potentially returning to the form of their 2023 squad, which boasted one of the NFL’s top offenses.
However, Nguyen emphasizes that the success of this revamped offense hinges on one critical factor: the development of left tackle Tyler Guyton, the Cowboys’ first-round pick in 2024. A former defensive player who transitioned to offensive line in college, Guyton is a raw but athletically gifted prospect. His rookie season was predictably challenging, as he adjusted to the demands of the position at the professional level. Nguyen describes Guyton as the “skeleton key” to unlocking the Cowboys’ offensive potential, noting that his growth is essential to protecting Prescott and opening lanes for the running game.
“If he lives up to his vast potential, the Cowboys will have a dominant left side with Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith,” Nguyen writes. The addition of Tyler Booker, a promising offensive lineman selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, further bolsters the line’s potential to become a major strength for Dallas. Together, Guyton, Smith, and Booker could form a formidable unit capable of transforming the Cowboys’ offense into a well-oiled machine.
But there’s a catch. If Guyton fails to make significant strides, the offensive line could become a liability, derailing the team’s ambitious plans. Without reliable protection, Prescott will face constant pressure, and the running game could stall, recreating the struggles of 2024. This uncertainty makes Guyton’s development a high-stakes gamble—one that could either propel Dallas to new heights or lead to another frustrating season.
The Cowboys’ offseason moves, particularly the trade for Pickens and the focus on rebuilding the offensive line, have generated excitement and raised expectations. With a healthier Prescott, a more balanced attack, and a potentially dominant front, Dallas has the pieces to reclaim its status as an offensive powerhouse. Yet, as Nguyen points out, it all comes down to whether Tyler Guyton can rise to the occasion. If he does, the Cowboys could be unstoppable. If not, their 2025 season could unravel before it truly begins.