As the season opener unfolded between the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and visiting Dallas Cowboys, it became evident that splash plays in the passing game would prove to be few and far between for Philadelphia.

At cornerback, the Cowboys’ trio of All-Pro Trevon Diggs, Kaiir Elam, and DaRon Bland proved to be highly effective in taking away any semblance of an aerial assault, save for a single 51-yard bomb from Jalen Hurts to Jahan Dotson.

Couple that with the inclement weather, and the traditionally dominant Eagles’ ground game would be called upon even more than usual to secure what would become a 24-20 triumph. A key player in the trenches who rose to the occasion was guard Tyler Steen.

How Steen perfectly filled some big shoes as the Eagles’ new starting right guard

The third-year lineman who, after a brief past stint as a starter, came back fighting full force this past training camp to replace the since-departed Mekhi Becton at right guard.

Steen showed strength and fluidity throughout the contest, unleashing a crucial block on what would be Saquon Barkley’s first rushing touchdown of the season. He settled in between anchors Cam Jurgens and Lane Johnson to pave running lanes for both Hurts and Barkley on that right side.

No doubt the absence of former right guard Becton – who departed for a lofty new contract with the Chargers – has left big cleats to fill on the right side. But after a very strong training camp that drew plenty of praise from teammates and coaches alike, Steen enjoyed a promising start in the season opener.

For a squad that pounds the rock early and often—and one that needs to protect QB1 at all costs—the key for Steen now is building on Week 1 and continuing to improve from here on out. The starting five up front has been a well-oiled machine in recent years, so Steen’s continued development will be essential.

Week 2 will command an even greater challenge, as a trip to Arrowhead against a stout Kansas City Chiefs run defense awaits. Steen will once again be someone to watch closely as he settles in as the sole new starter on this consistently dominant Eagles offensive line.