I already had a few issues with PFF’s all-Cowboys offense list, and now the defense list has me feeling the same way.
There are some picks I have no problem with. DeMarcus Ware, Micah Parsons, and a few others make perfect sense, but once you get past the obvious choices, this Cowboys defense list starts to feel like it’s missing something.
When we are talking about the best Cowboys defenders over a 20-year stretch, I need more than a clean grade. I want to see the impact. I need players who actually felt like they helped define the Dallas Cowboys.
That’s why a few of these picks are tough for me to buy.
Some of the Picks are Obvious
DeMarcus Ware is the easiest name to put on the board.
For years, the Cowboys defense started and ended with No. 94. He was the player offenses had an entire scouting report built around. There is no way to build a list without him on it.
Micah Parsons is the other player who is a no-brainer.
Parsons may not be a Cowboy anymore, but while he was there, his presence on that defense was felt, almost every game.
Sean Lee belongs. Injuries plagued his career, but when Lee was healthy he was one of the smartest people on the field. He normally played like he had the other team’s playbook in his back pocket.
Jay Ratliff and Jason Hatcher are good picks too. Ratliff was tough and disruptive. Hatcher had a good enough few seasons to stay in the conversation.
I just think PFF missed the mark on a few players.
Biggest Issues with PFF’s Cowboys Defense List
DeMarcus Lawrence Shouldn’t Be Left Out
Osa Odighizuwa over DeMarcus Lawrence doesn’t feel right to me.
I like Osa. This isn’t me knocking him because I think he was a good player for Dallas, and he developed into one of the more dependable linemen when he was a Cowboy.
But over DeMarcus Lawrence? I don’t like it.
Lawrence was one of the best complete defensive ends the Cowboys have had. People who are only looking at sack numbers are missing the whole picture. Lawrence played the run, set the edge, and brought an attitude that was contagious throughout the whole defense.
Every good defense needs players who do the dirty work and still make plays. DeMarcus Lawrence was that guy.
Maybe PFF’s grades pushed Osa into a spot, but if I’m building a Cowboys’ defense list, Lawrence is on it.
Jaylon Smith is a Tough Sell
This may be the pick that bothers me the most or just shows how poor our linebacker play has been.
His comeback story was incredible. Coming back from that injury and being a productive NFL player is something nobody should take lightly.
But this isn’t a comeback-player list.
I will take Bradie James over Jaylon Smith. From 2006-2010, James had over 100 tackles each season while adding 23 QB hits, 21 pass deflections, 13 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, and 11 fumble recoveries.
James wasn’t flashy, but he was a steady veteran on the defense. He gave the Cowboys good linebacker play for several seasons. I’m not sure how he was overlooked for a player like Jaylon Smith.
For me, James fits this list better.
Trevon Diggs Belongs Over Orlando Scandrick
I respect Orlando Scandrick for what he was. He played a tough role, lasted a long time, and gave Dallas solid snaps in the slot even if he only had one interception and 68 pass deflections in nine years.
But if this were about the best player, I’m taking Trevon Diggs before injuries and the diva attitude.
Diggs had flaws, and I know that is where the debate always starts. He took chances, and sometimes those chances burned him.
But the production was legit.
Turnovers change games and Diggs created them. He had 20 interceptions and 61 pass deflections in five seasons.
Give me the 20 interceptions and no attitude and we are golden.
Roy Williams Makes More Sense than Byron Jones at Safety
The Byron Jones part feels forced to me.
Jones was a phenomenal athlete and a great leader, but his best football came at cornerback for the Cowboys. That’s on the coaching staff for switching his position so frequently.
If I’m talking about a true safety, I don’t want to force a player there just because he was talented enough to play multiple roles.
That’s where Roy Williams steps in.
I know the timeline is getting a little shaky because Williams started before the 20-year window, but if he is eligible for the conversation, he’s the better safety.
He helped define the position for the Dallas Cowboys. His hits were legendary and even had a rule created to stop him from getting tackles.
Roy Williams brought a level of physicality this defense hasn’t seen since he left. The intimidation factor would make teams think twice about going to the middle of the field.
He gets a bad rap for his coverage, but it wasn’t as bad as people think. Over six years, he had 19 interceptions and 56 pass deflections. Right on pass with Trevon Diggs.
If I’m picking a real Cowboys safety for this list, I would rather have Roy Williams there than slide Byron Jones into a position where he wasn’t even his best.
PFF Got Close With Their Grades, But Not Close Enough
PFF got the obvious names right, but the middle of the list is where the debate starts. Osa over Lawrence, feels too grade-driven, Scandrick over Diggs feels too safe, Jaylon over Bradie James feels “a couple good” seasons heavy, and Byron Jones was forcing it.
When I think about the best Cowboys defenders of this era, I want more than numbers on a screen.
PFF had some of that, but not enough.
For me, this Cowboys defense list needed a little more common sense and a little less calculator.
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