The Dallas Cowboys tallied their highest-scoring first quarter of the season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That it was only 10 points describes how the year has gone, but Mike McCarthy's script has clicked on all cylinders thus far on Sunday Night Football.
Cooper Rush started a perfect 6-for-6 on the opening drive before Brandon Aubrey made a 58-yard field goal look like a chip shot.
The next time out, Rush and Jalen Tolbert connected for a pretty touchdown in the red zone. Rush threw a peach in the face of pressure, while Tolbert uncorked a nifty toe-drag to keep his feet in bounds. Even KaVontae Turpin has seen touches out of the backfield.
Cowboys fans had little to complain about in regards to McCarthy's play-calling. Having said that, McCarthy drew the ire of the fan base right on the game's first possession when the starting offensive line was announced.
Mike McCarthy doesn't start Tyler Guyton vs. Buccaneers and Cowboys fans are furious
Tyler Guyton coming in at left tackle for the Cowboys.
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) December 23, 2024
For reasons we do not understand, Chuma Edoga got the start at left tackle over Tyler Guyton. The No. 29 overall pick in April, Guyton has been nicked up in recent weeks and has missed three games due to injury. But he wasn't on the injury report at all this week leading into Sunday night.
It wasn't until the Cowboys' third drive that Guyton checked in. It is apparent that McCarthy is giving the rookie some tough love coaching. Guyton's penchant for penalties are well-documented. Despite missing three games, he ranks near the bottom of the NFL in penalties accepted.
The Oklahoma product has been a real hindrance to the offense, but the inconsistent playing time won't do any good for his development. He was extremely raw coming out of college and hardly saw any time at left tackle. Its been a difficult year one, but he needs as many reps as possible.
It'd be one thing if Dallas was starting a promising youngster, or an established vet, in Guyton's place. However, Edoga is a 27-year-old journeyman on an expiring contract. He has a 31.4 pass-blocking grade this year, per PFF. Odds are he won't be back next year.
With the team eliminated from playoff contention, the final three games should be about evaluating the roster for 2025. The jury is still out on if Guyton be the left tackle of the future. That question needs a definitive answer going into the offseason.
At this rate, the Cowboys are going to be right back where they started at the position once the season ends.