Time for Tyler Guyton to show the Cowboys he’s right man for the job
Tyler Guyton got a pass in Week 1. The Dallas Cowboys starting left tackle missed nearly the entire preseason after a leg injury put him on ice early in training camp. Prior to that, Guyton was generating a fair amount of buzz for his improvement at tackle.
Improvement was needed after his disastrous rookie season that saw him struggle mightily, both physically and mentally. Maturity and effort were as much to blame as technique and discipline, leading to one of the worst pass protection grades in the NFL last year. But Guyton reportedly hit the reset button over the offseason, dedicating himself to the craft and impressing many with his renewed attitude.
At face value none of those gains were seen on the field in Week 1.
Guyton was given a 26.1 pass blocking grade at Pro Football Focus, ranking last in the NFL as he gave up a whopping five pressures. But what doesn’t show up on the stat sheet and what gets left out of the grading formula is Guyton’s improved technique. The head slap notwithstanding, Guyton looks like he's applying technique to his game. Given he's a fairly impressive athletic specimen, it stands to reason once he can put the fundamentals and technique together, he could develop into a fine LT someday.
While the results may not support it, Guyton looked far more polished than last year, and it stands to reason with more reps and more coaching the results will soon follow.
With just roughly a week of practice under his belt, it’s understandable Guyton struggled in Week 1. For that, he gets a pass. But in Week 2 against the New York Giants, he has to show some gains. Guyton has to show he’s moving in the right direction as a prospect, or the Cowboys simply must look for alternative avenues.
The only truly feasible option to replace Guyton in 2025 is surprise standout Nate Thomas. Thomas, a seventh-round draft pick from 2024, doesn’t have the same ceiling as Guyton but he has an internal drive that can’t be matched. After basically redshirting as a rookie, Thomas hit the ground running this summer. He’s now the top backup at tackle and someone Dallas can turn to if Guyton reverts back to last year.
The 2026 NFL draft also happens to feature an impressive collection in OT talent. If the Cowboys don’t see progress from Guyton this year, they have a ripe opportunity to select a new LT and start fresh. Hopefully Guyton stays the path and shows progression this year and starting over isn’t necessary, but the escape hatch is there if things go south.
Showing growth in Week 2 is no easy task given the competition he’s about to face. New York has one of the best edge groups in the NFL and will champing at the bit to put Guyton on skates this Sunday. Assessing Guyton’s progression might require grading on a curve with attention to technique and discipline just as important as the pressures allowed.
The clock is ticking for Guyton. He got a pass in Week 1 but starting now, it’s time to see gains from the former first round pick.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Makes Feelings Clear on Return
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson continues to document his recovery from an Achilles injury, sharing a workout clip on social media showing him back on the field for drills.
The video, filmed in mid-August but posted this week, appears to be the first time Watson performed on-field drills since undergoing two surgeries. Working with his personal quarterback coach, Quincy Avery, at the team’s facility, Watson can be heard urging himself on: “Come on four, come on four, be perfect.”
The session was limited, but Watson looked sharp. Given the time that has passed since the clip was recorded, he has likely made additional progress in his rehab.
“See that man,” Watson said in the video. “Putting in that work. Every day.”
The updates on Watson have been scarce. Watson has been placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. While this does not rule him out for the season, it does guarantee he’ll miss at least the first four games. However, he’s remained around the team’s facility and has been praised for his presence.
“Deshaun’s doing awesome, he’s doing great,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said in August. “I’m excited for him. I get to watch him work out as well. I get to be in the meeting room with him every single day. So, he’s doing great.”
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Determined to Return
Watson landed in Cleveland via a 2022 blockbuster trade, and it has not gone smoothly. The former Pro Bowler has gone 9-10 as the starter with the Browns, missing time due to a lengthy suspension and season-ending injuries. He’s passed for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions during his Browns tenure.
Owner Jimmy Haslam went as far as to call the 2022 trade for Watson a “swing and miss” this summer.
“We took a big swing-and-miss with Deshaun,” Haslam said. “We thought we had the quarterback; we didn’t. And we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him, so we’ve got to dig ourselves out of that hole.
“… [The trade] was an entire organization decision and it ends with Dee [Haslam] and I, so hold us accountable.”
Shortly after Haslam’s comments, Watson seemingly responded on social media.
“Everyone is doubting me. Everyone don’t believe in me,” Watson said in a video. “Everyone don’t think I can get back to where I was. But I know, and I believe the work that I put in, that I believe in myself… I know, I’m gonna be way better than before.”
Browns Face Critical Decision When Deshaun Watson is Healthy
If Watson is cleared to return this season, the Browns could face a tough call. The team already carries three quarterbacks on the active roster — Joe Flacco, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel — with Bailey Zappe on the practice squad.
Watson is still tied to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, but Cleveland’s best move may be keeping him on the sideline. The lingering question is whether Watson would accept that role.
“At some point, he’ll be healthy. At some point, he’ll be cleared. What happens when he shows up with a piece of paper in hand that tells the world he’s ready to play?” Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk said in August. “The Browns may prefer to stash him on the physically unable to perform list, for all of 2025. They owe him the money whether he’s on the roster or not. They qualify for maximum insurance coverage (and eventually cap relief) if he can’t play.”
The Browns continue to navigate Watson’s situation, which remains as complicated as it is costly.
