Handing out midseason awards for the 2022 Dallas Cowboys
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Tyler Smith
There weren’t many candidates for this award, however, there is certainly more competition for this one compared to the defensive side of the ball. Between Tyler Smith, Jake Ferguson, and Peyton Hendershot, Smith gets the nod for me.
Perhaps if the two rookie tight ends did a bit more with their opportunities while Dalton Schultz was out, they could’ve won this award. But, Smith not only has had to fill in for Tyron Smith at one of the league’s hardest positions to play, but he has done a solid job at it.
Interestingly, one of the first things #Cowboys owner Jerry Jones spoke about postgame was his conviction that LT Tyron Smith will come back and play meaningful games. He’s not sure when. Assume rookie starter Tyler Smith would be moved to starting role elsewhere.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) October 31, 2022
The first-round pick has struggled more as of late, however, he has had a good start to his career. Through 269 pass-blocking snaps, Smith has allowed 16 pressures and four sacks. It isn’t great, but it certainly could be a lot worse.
Some of Smith’s best work comes as a run blocker. He can be a mauler at the line, helping allow the running backs to have some space as they run toward the left side. In rushes between the left tackle and left guard, Cowboy running backs average 6.2 yards per carry with two first downs and a touchdown.