I like Booker and think he will be good but I though Brock Hoffman came and played pretty well. Heck once Martin went down our offensive line actually looked decent providing Rico some room in the running game and in pass protection. I thought tackles (Steele and Guyton) were the big issues on the oline.
From Chatgpt with sources sited:
Brock Hoffman
In the 2024 NFL season, Brock Hoffman served as a versatile interior lineman for the Dallas Cowboys, stepping in at right guard following Zack Martin's injury and also making appearances at center. Here's a detailed breakdown of his performance and rankings:
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PFF Grades and Rankings (2024 Season)
- Overall Grade: 66.3 (Ranked 44th out of 136 qualifying guards)
- Run-Blocking Grade: 68.9 (39th/136)
- Pass-Blocking Grade: 62.1 (69th/136)PFF+2PFF+2PFF+2
These grades position Hoffman as an average to slightly above-average guard overall, with his run-blocking being a relative strength compared to his pass protection.
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Positional Breakdown
- Snaps at Right Guard: 387 (18th most among all guards)
- Snaps at Center: 109
- Snaps at Left Guard: 19PFF
Hoffman primarily played at right guard, especially after Martin's season-ending injury, but his ability to fill in at center and left guard showcases his versatility on the offensive line.
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Performance Highlights
- Pass Protection: Allowed only 6 total pressures and 1 sack across 286 pass-blocking snaps, resulting in a pass-blocking efficiency of 98.7, ranking among the top offensive linemen in 2024. M Sports+1PFF+1
- Thanksgiving Game Performance: In the Cowboys' Thanksgiving game, Hoffman earned a 76.8 overall grade (6th among all offensive linemen that day), with an 87.6 pass-blocking grade (2nd) and allowed zero pressures. PFF+2SI+2Log in or sign up to view+2
Contextual Analysis
Hoffman's 2024 season marked a significant step forward in his development. Transitioning from a backup role, he demonstrated the ability to handle starting responsibilities, particularly at right guard. His performance in run-blocking situations was solid, and while his pass protection had room for improvement, the low number of pressures and sacks allowed indicates a reliable presence on the line.
His standout performance on Thanksgiving highlighted his potential to excel under pressure, and his versatility in playing multiple interior line positions adds valuable depth to the Cowboys' offensive front.
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Outlook
As Hoffman continues to gain experience and refine his technique, particularly in pass protection, he has the potential to solidify a more permanent role on the Cowboys' offensive line. His 2024 season laid a strong foundation, and with continued development, he could become a key contributor in the years ahead.
Mazi Smith
In the 2024 NFL season, Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle
Mazi Smith faced significant challenges but showed signs of improvement as the year progressed. Here's a detailed analysis of his performance, including Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades and rankings:
PFF Grades and Rankings (2024 Season)
- Overall Grade: 34.8 (Ranked 207th out of 219 qualifying defensive interior players)
- Pass-Rushing Grade: 49.6 (209th/219)
- Run Defense Grade: 35.9 (201st/219)PFF
These grades indicate that Smith struggled in both pass-rushing and run defense throughout the season .
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Season Statistics
While Smith's tackle numbers were respectable, his pass-rushing impact was limited, as evidenced by his low pressure count .
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Performance Progression
Smith's performance showed notable improvement in the second half of the season:
- Weeks 1–9: Overall Grade: 29.5 (139th out of 139 defensive tackles)
- Weeks 10–18: Overall Grade: 50.9 PFFBlogging The Boys
This progression suggests that while Smith started the season as the lowest-graded defensive tackle, he managed to elevate his play significantly in the latter half .
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Contextual Analysis
Smith's early-season struggles were attributed to difficulties in both anchoring against the run and generating pass rush. However, as the season progressed, he demonstrated improved technique and confidence, leading to better performance metrics. Coaches noted his increased consistency and effectiveness in executing defensive schemes .
Outlook
Given his late-season improvement, Smith has the potential to develop into a more consistent contributor on the Cowboys' defensive line. Continued focus on technique refinement and adaptation to the professional level will be crucial for his progression in the upcoming seasons.
