Tony Romo, DeMarcus Ware have high praise for star LT Tyron Smith
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) prior to playing the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
It was clear right when he came into the league that Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith had all the physical tools to be a star in the NFL, and he came right in and dominated as a rookie. Smith’s luster as a top left tackle faltered, however, last season, as he had some inconsistencies in pass protection. But he’s clearly back to an elite level of play this season, and it’s high time people started talking more about Smith as one of the best left tackles in the NFL.
Superstar pass rusher DeMarcus Ware knows a lot about terrorizing left tackles as one of the star 4-3 DEs and 3-4 OLBs in the NFL, so he knows a great left tackle when he sees one. Ware believes that Smith is right up there with the best of them, via ESPN Dallas’s Tim McMahon, “I feel like he’s playing like one of the best tackles in the league right now. I feel like he’s having a Pro Bowl year.”
I feel the same way, and he had another very impressive performance going up against Lamarr Houston on Thanksgiving. Houston is the only threat on the Oakland Raiders to get to the quarterback, and he’s also a very well-rounded defensive end who knows how to stuff the run. Fortunately, Smith is also an excellent run blocker, and he was at his best yesterday. Smith totally blanked out Houston as a pass rusher, and I don’t think I remembered Smith getting beat at all yesterday. He also did a solid job of blocking for Lance Dunbar and DeMarco Murray, which is more than what can be said for fellow starting tackle Doug Free.
Tyron Smith has done a great job keeping star QB Tony Romo’s blindside clean, and Romo certainly knows how valuable Smith has been to the Cowboys. He said, “I hope people recognize how good he’s playing right now. He’s had a fantastic season, and he keeps getting better and better.”
Smith hasn’t allowed a sack since Week 5, and he actually played quite well in that game. He’s been on fire this season, and it’s high time he started getting a high level of recognition for his play. He can dominate in any given week, and guys like Jason Pierre-Paul, Houston, and Junior Galette have certainly figured that out.