This Season’s Top Ten Dallas Cowboys Performers

Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyron smith (77) in action against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

5. Tyron Smith, Tackle

Left tackle Tyron Smith was drafted two spots ahead of Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt in the 2011 draft. Watt is as good as they come. Explosive, gutsy and all encompassing in every single play. It’d be easy for the Cowboys to look back with regret on passing on Watt, but in Smith they have arguably the best tackle in the NFL at present. And he’s still only twenty three years old.

The drafting of Smith signaled a new direction for the Cowboys which is finally paying dividends. When Jason Garrett became head coach for the team, he had a clear vision of making the side younger and making the roster into a sustainable one. Garrett’s keyword is process after all!

The Cowboys offensive line boasts three first round picks in Smith, Frederick and Martin. Expectations on all three were huge heading into the season but were soon given a short shrift after a horror show against the 49ers. Talk of this being the second coming of the infamous Great Wall of Dallas from the 1990’s was put aside. Since Week One however, Smith has proven why he’s considered the best of his position.

Week Three saw Smith up against Robert Quinn, the Rams Pro Bowl defensive end and second placed league sack leader of 2013. Quinn failed to pressure Romo once and made just one tackle for a loss. Saints linebacker and defensive captain Junior Galette had averaged three tackles, hurries and stops per game this season. That was until he faced Tyron Smith. Where he recorded just a single tackle, hurry and stop.

Smith is limiting players considered to be the very best of their position. Quinn and Galette were both completely ineffective against the Cowboys. If that continues then maybe the process is working.