The success of the Dallas Cowboys in 2025 will depend on this one thing

The fate of the 2025 Dallas Cowboys may rest on one unglamorous, often overlooked unit: the offensive line. After a disappointing 7-10 finish in 2024 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020, the Cowboys spent the offseason reshaping both the coaching staff and the roster, desperately seeking a return to postseason relevance. Their path back won’t be easy, especially with a brutal late-season gauntlet against six playoff teams from a year ago, but everything starts with the five men protecting Dak Prescott and powering the ground game.

Change has swept through the trenches in Dallas, with longtime anchors Tyron Smith and Zack Martin both retiring this offseason. In their place, the Cowboys have turned to a new generation. Tyler Guyton, last year’s first-round pick, will be asked to erase the struggles of his rookie season, when he led the league in penalties and ranked near the bottom of all tackles in PFF grades. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer, though, is bullish on Guyton’s progress, noting his improved mentality, work ethic, and preparation — all factors that could help solidify the left side.

Next to Guyton, there’s less worry about Tyler Smith at left guard. After back-to-back Pro Bowl selections, Smith has already carved out a reputation as one of the most promising young linemen in Cowboys history. In the middle, Cooper Beebe’s solid rookie season in 2024 has fans hopeful for a big second-year leap, especially in leading the run game, an area that sorely needs improvement after a year in which Dallas ranked just 27th in rushing yards.

Next to Guyton, there’s less worry about Tyler Smith at left guard. After back-to-back Pro Bowl selections, Smith has already carved out a reputation as one of the most promising young linemen in Cowboys history. In the middle, Cooper Beebe’s solid rookie season in 2024 has fans hopeful for a big second-year leap, especially in leading the run game, an area that sorely needs improvement after a year in which Dallas ranked just 27th in rushing yards.

If the Cowboys are to keep Prescott healthy and revive a stagnant running attack, the offensive line will have to be the driving force. With a committee of running backs including Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and Jaydon Blue, the onus is on the line to open holes and keep the pressure off their tenth-year quarterback. First-round pick Tyler Booker, an Alabama product, will be counted on to make an immediate impact at right guard, bringing both pedigree and proven run-blocking ability.

The final wildcard is right tackle Terence Steele. Since tearing his ACL in 2022, Steele’s performance has dipped, allowing 17 sacks and nearly 100 pressures over two seasons. Still, there’s optimism within the organization that Steele can regain his form and anchor the right side, with Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones voicing confidence in his bounce-back. If Guyton steps up, Steele stabilizes, and Booker proves to be the upgrade Dallas needs, the offensive line could be the difference between another long winter and a playoff return in 2025.

Simply put, if the Cowboys are going to write a different story this year, it all begins up front. The names have changed, the expectations have not. Dallas’ season, and perhaps its playoff hopes, ride on the shoulders of a rebuilt offensive line ready for the spotlight.