FRISCO, Texas — It was a preconceived notion even before Dallas turned the card in to draft Tyler Guyton in the first round back in April that a rookie would be tasked with starting at left tackle in the team's opening game this Sunday.
What was not known at the time was the level of challenge that said rookie would face, as May's schedule release saw the Cleveland Browns – led by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett – wait on the other side for the team's opener on Sept. 8. Even though it's a heck of a welcome into the league, Guyton is approaching his official NFL debut just as he has walked into any game he's played before.
"I'm staying focused on doing my job," Guyton said. "I'd say the biggest thing is routine…I'm always excited about football. It's the same as every game, you have to prepare the right way."
Fortunately for Guyton's case, he has had early NFL experience against some of the best pass rushers the league has to offer. Every day at training camp, he saw Parsons line up on the other side and attack him with athleticism. In the second week of the preseason, it was Maxx Crosby who went after Guyton for almost an entire half of football in Las Vegas.
"You get to gauge yourself as a player," he said about the challenge of blocking Garrett. "I've played against Micah [Parsons] and Maxx Crosby, now I get to block Myles Garrett. I feel like I'm going to be myself and see what I can do and what I can't."
While Guyton maintains that he's "just never been a nervous guy" as a result of his preparation, he did spend time on Wednesday appreciating Garrett's prowess and how he attacks as a pass rusher.
"A lot of time," Guyton said on how much preparation he's put into studying Garrett. "When the schedule drops, you're preparing for the first game. You have a little bit more time to watch. We watched a lot more…I think he has all of the moves. He's a genetic freak and is a great player."
Where does that level of preparation come from for Guyton? It could be his experience playing at a big program like Oklahoma or from his childhood growing up in Central Texas. For him, it's a lot more simple: passion.
"I love the game of football," he said. "I love my family. I love sports, and I think it's fun to get better and learn."
