Cowboys fans are ecstatic as team declares winner of prominent OL competition

The Dallas Cowboys received a gut punch on Saturday as DaRon Bland will be sidelined for over a month with a stress fracture in his foot that will require surgery. A strong performance from Trey Lance and others in the preseason finale would do a lot to provide a silver lining to Bland's injury.

As it turns out, Cowboys fans got a proverbial win before kickoff as Dallas' starting offensive line was announced. From left to right, it's Asim Richards at left tackle, Josh Ball at left guard, Brock Hoffman at center, T.J. Bass at right guard and Matt Waletzko at right tackle.

It is noteworthy that first-round pick Tyler Guyton did not start. However, Guyton was already confirmed to start Week 1 at left tackle in light of Chuma Edoga's injury. He may have started regardless given his dominant cameos in preseason.

What is more notable, though, is Cooper Beebe's absence. In fact, Beebe won't see the field at all, which all but confirms that he won the center competition. Fans have been manifesting this moment for months.

Cowboys all but confirm Cooper Beebe is the starting center in preseason finale

If there was any remaining doubt that Beebe will start, there it is. The third-round pick is in bubble wrap with the rest of the starters until the season opener in Cleveland.

Hoffman gave Beebe everything he can handle in training camp. The former undrafted free agent plays with a physicality and aggression that can't be taught, but it was only a matter of time until Beebe emerged as the clear best center on the roster.

Beebe played every position but center at Kansas State. He endured some growing pains early in camp, particularly with his shotgun snaps. However, he put in extra work and quickly nipped it in the bud. In preseason, it quickly became obvious that Beebe was ready to start.

The former Wildcat dirted a pair of Raiders starters in last week's exhibition. On 78 snaps in preseason, Beebe produced a 72.8 PFF grade. He allowed just two pressures on 51 pass-blocking snaps and didn't concede a single QB hit or commit a penalty, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He added a 72.0 run-blocking grade to boot.

Simply put, Beebe is the most physical and powerful center in Cowboys' history. That is no slight against Travis Frederick and other decorated former centers, but Beebe's strength is unmatched and his intent to embarrass the opponent gives Dallas a much-needed edge in the trenches. You cannot put a price on that.

Rejoice, Cowboys fans. Beebe is your starting center.

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