PFF built an All-Cowboys team around grades, but production, wins, and franchise impact tell a different story since 2004.
I will give PFF credit. It’s not a terrible list.
The only problem I have is they used what they have, which is their grading system. It treats grades like they are the final word, and I love using their grades to push a point through, but I think there should be more to an All-Cowboys list.
PFF grades have their place. I will never act like they don’t. They can help tell part of a story. The problem comes when those grades start outweighing production, wins, longevity, role, and franchise impact.
If I were to build the best Dallas Cowboys team since 2003, I want more than a number from a grading system. I want to know who actually carried weight on a Sunday, who changed the offense and left a real mark wearing the star.
So, here is where my offensive list starts to look different.
Where I Disagree Most With PFF
PFF got plenty right. I won’t argue just to argue, but if this is my Cowboys list, and I’m weighing production, wins, role, peak, and franchise impact, I’m making a few changes.
Tony Romo Over Dak Prescott Is Not Crazy
Let’s get this one out of the way early.
PFF picked Dak Prescott, and I get it. Dak is the Cowboys’ all-time passing leader. He has piled up the numbers, won a lot of regular-season games, and led multiple 12-win teams. If the argument is strictly volume, records, and cleaner team success, Dak has a strong case.
I’m still taking Tony Romo.
Romo did not always have the kind of roster Dak has had. There were a lot of Sundays where Romo was not just playing quarterback. He was carrying the whole team.
Romo made throws that kept Dallas alive when the play was already broken. He created offense when protection failed, turned average-looking situations into explosive plays, and for a long time, he was the only reason the Cowboys had a real shot.
Dak has a better resume by volume.
Romo has the better case based on grit, determination, and being the offense.
If I’m building the best Cowboys team since 2003, and I get to pick one quarterback at his best, I’m taking Tony Romo.
Terrell Owens Belongs Over Amari Cooper
This is another position where PFF’s pick is understandable.
Amari Cooper was really good in Dallas. His arrival in 2018 changed the offense almost instantly. Before the trade, the Cowboys were stuck. After Cooper got there, Dak looked more comfortable, the field opened up, and Dallas won the division.
I would still take Terrell Owens.
Terrell Owens was different. He was loud, physical, productive, and still one of the best receivers in football when he wore the star on his helmet. His best years in Dallas were better than Cooper’s best years.
Amari Cooper stabilized the offense, while Terrell Owens terrified defenses.
When Terrell Owens was rolling, he could take over the game. He gave Dallas a true No.1 receiver who could win deep, win after the catch, and bully defensive backs near the goal line. His time in Dallas was not as long as others, but the impact spoke volumes.
So my three wide receivers are
- Dez Bryant
- CeeDee Lamb
- Terrell Owens
Dez was one of the best red-zone weapons this franchise ever had. CeeDee has done enough to belong, and Owens gets the third spot because dominance matters.
Ezekiel Elliott and Jason Witten Are Easy Calls
At running back, Ezekiel Elliott is the easy answer.
Prime Zeke gave the Cowboys offense an identity. He was not just a good running back, but the engine of the offense, especially when Dallas went 13-3 in 2016.
When the offensive line and Zeke were in the zone, the Cowboys could line up, tell you what was coming, and still move the chains. That is old school football, and I loved it.
At tight end, no one else could be picked over Jason Witten.
He may be the best tight end in the history of the Dallas Cowboys. His production, toughness, leadership, and consistency make him untouchable on this list.
Dalton Schultz gets the second tight end spot because he gave Dallas the best combination of production and consistency outside the Jason Witten era.
The Offensive Line Mostly Speaks For Itself
This is where PFF and I probably agree the most.
Tyron Smith at left tackle, Travis Fredrick at center, and Zack Martin at right guard. I mean what more could you ask for when it comes to those positions?
Dallas built its entire identity around that group for a few years, and it worked as well as anything in the NFL.
Tyler Smith gets the left guard spot because his level of play has already put him ahead of the other options in this era. He is still building his legacy, but the talent and production are there.
Doug Free gets right tackle because he had a stretch where he was steady on the right side of the offensive line. I wouldn’t say he was flashy or perfect, but he held his own on successful offenses.
I don’t think every pick has to be pretty, but sometimes the right answer is just the guy who held up.
Offensive Players Who Could Have Easily Made the List
This is what makes this type of list fun.
Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper aren’t bad picks. In fact, I believe both have strong arguments. I understand why PFF went that direction.
I just don’t agree.
PFF’s List Isn’t Trash
The list built by PFF is good, but not great.
I feel it’s just built for a different argument.
If the question is who graded the best, the PFF’s list makes sense, but if the question is who is the best based on more than a grade. Then the answer changes.
That’s why I’m taking Romo over Dak and Terrell Owens over Amari Cooper.
Grades are useful. They just aren’t the gospel.
When it comes to the Cowboys offense, peak play and impact still matter more than a number on a spreadsheet.
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