This Season’s Top Ten Dallas Cowboys Performers

Sep 28, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws a pass while being tackled by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Tyrone Crawford (98) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

7. Tyrone Crawford, Defensive End

Tyrone Crawford‘s name on this list may well be surprising to you. The Cowboys as a whole had a night to forget versus Colin Kaepernick‘s 49ers. But Crawford was instrumental in the bounce back victory against the Tennessee Titans. Although not responsible for the splash plays, Crawford had a hit and five hurries on Titans quarterback Jake Locker.

Another gritty display against St. Louis Rams saw Crawford deal out a hit, three hurries and five tackles. The return of Anthony Spencer in Week Four saw Crawford bump inside to defensive tackle. This is where he’s arguably more effective as DallasCowboys.com scout and analyst Bryan Broaddus writes:

"“I would leave Tyrone Crawford inside at defensive tackle instead of still playing him at defensive end. He is a much better player the closer that you put him to the ball, and he can take advantage of his quickness and power when attacking guards.”"

You’re not likely to go to games and see a tonne of Crawford jerseys. He’s not going to be the most glorified player on the defense. But he encompasses everything good about this Rod Marinelli defense. Reliable players with positional flex operating within a rotational system.