FRISCO, Texas – Whether or not Terence Steele remains in the starting lineup after the bye week, the 24-year-old offensive tackle has made the ‘sophomore leap’ that Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy often says about losers. players making considerable progress after their rookie year.
Steele has now started 19 games at right tackle since joining the Cowboys as an undrafted rookie from Texas Tech last year, including 14 starts in 2020, while La’el Collins was on injured reserve with an injury at the hip.
Those 968 rookie plays proved valuable, even with some tough moments along the way. That early experience, plus his offseason work, has helped him become a more productive starter this season, as Collins completed a five-game suspension during Weeks 2-6.
“I think he’s more comfortable, more confident in what the job description is,” Cowboys offensive line coach Joe Philbin said. “I think he consistently feels more comfortable with what we ask him to do. When you’re a rookie, especially when we didn’t have an offseason show in 2020, it was all maybe a new world for him and all the other rookies. I think that he worked really hard in the offseason from a strength and conditioning standpoint.
“… And you always expect there to be a natural progression from your first year to your second year, and I think that’s evident with him.”
Steele said he actually lost about 10 pounds in the offseason, but added lean muscle, specifically targeting his lower body strength.
“I felt like I was lacking a bit, especially towards the end of the season,” he said last month. “Just as far as the lower body is concerned, personally it wasn’t where I wanted to be. I got to work on that.”
Philbin said: “I think his playing strength is a little better. His playing speed has always been good, but I think that has been a little better. He is very decisive out there. He comes out on the center count maybe as good as Any other player we have. He’s a hard worker, and the work and the dividends have paid off. “
The Cowboys have provided some help alongside Steele in certain situations, with a tight end or running back providing blocks on the edge. But Steele has also gone one-on-one against productive hurdlers, including three-time Chargers Pro Bowler Joey Bosa, and he stood his ground.
Perhaps Steele’s biggest impact has been in the running game alongside six-time right guard Pro Bowler Zack Martin.
The Cowboys rank second in rushing yards per game (164.3) and yards per carry, and are tied for second in yards per carry (5.1). They have averaged 9.2 yards rushing behind right tackle, second best in the league.
Collins returned from suspension this week, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the seventh-year veteran regains his starting job, although McCarthy has yet to publicly announce a decision. The Cowboys don’t return to the practice field until next week after the break.
“La’el has been here. He looks good in his exercises and stuff,” McCarthy said. “We’ll be excited for him to fully get back into the mix after the bye week.… He played in short reps coming out of camp. We just have to see where he is when we hit the field next Wednesday.”
No matter who lines up at right tackle Oct. 31 in Minnesota, Steele has helped improve the depth of the Cowboys’ offensive line through his own hard work.
“He’s taken an opportunity and he’s done a good job,” Philbin said. “Obviously, he still has a lot of ways that he can keep improving.”
