Are Cowboys Better Equipped for Playoffs Now Than 2014?

[tps_title]Defensive Backs[/tps_title] 2014 Defensive Backs VS 2016 Brandon Carr (CB) Orlando Scandrick Sterling Moore (CB) Tyler Patmon (CB) Barry Church (S) Jeff Heath (S) Morris Claiborne (CB) Brandon Carr (CB) Orlando Scandrick (CB) Anthony Brown (CB) …

[tps_title]Defensive Backs[/tps_title]

2014 Defensive Backs

VS

2016

Brandon Carr (CB)
Orlando Scandrick
Sterling Moore (CB)
Tyler Patmon (CB)
Barry Church (S)
Jeff Heath (S)
Morris Claiborne (CB)
Brandon Carr (CB)
Orlando Scandrick (CB)
Anthony Brown (CB)
Byron Jones (S)
Barry Church (S)

There’s no question which of these groups is stronger. If he’s fully healthy and playing at the level we saw earlier in the season, Morris Claiborne is better than anything Dallas had two years ago. Anthony Brown, despite being a sixth-round rookie, has already proven to be a valuable player capable of taking on tough assignments.

Despite being two years older, Brandon Carr is arguably better now than he was in 2014. He’s been allowed to play more aggressive man coverage and less of the drop-back zone that gets him into trouble. Orlando Scandrick hasn’t been quite as good as in the past, but is still effective.

The 2014 group not only was missing Byron Jones but even had to go without J.J. Wilcox, who was hurt for the playoffs. The combination of Jones and Barry Church this year has easily been Dallas’ best safety combo in several seasons.

Clearly, the 2016 secondary is deeper and more talented than what we were working with two years ago.