Two Cowboys Named to Pro Football Focus' NFC Pro Bowl Squad
by KD Drummond on Dec 23, 2011 2:00 PM CST
in Dallas Cowboys News
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PrintWith two games to go, crucial ones at that, there still remains much to be written about the 2011 NFL season and player performances. With that caveat though, and with the conclusion of the fan voting segment of the true Pro Bowl nomination process, Pro Football Focus has weighed in with whom they feel are the most deserving players at each position.
PFF makes a profession out of evaluating each player's worth on each play, and grade said performance on a scale of -2.0 to +2.0. Here's their extensive FAQ which explains their grading process in full detail. You'll see these continuously referenced here on BTB in O.C.C's outstanding "Grading The Performances" series after each week's games. I also use them more often than not to weigh my eye-test evaluations and rely on them for trench-battle evaluations.
Through 14 games, PFF feels that the individual performances of the Cowboys players ranks them as the sixth-best offensive collection of players, the ninth-best defense and the 17th-ranked special teams unit. A snapshot analysis says that they place more weight on bad luck than bad play to explain Dallas' middle-of-the-road 8-6 record.
Individually though, PFF only feels that two Cowboys rank as the best at their positions for 2011. Follow the jump for the skinny.
RT Tyron Smith | Overall Grade +18.7 (Pass Block +11.2 Run Block +5.3 Screen Block +0.5 Penalty +0.3)
Tackles
LT – Jason Peters (PHI), RT – Tyron Smith (DAL), and Tyson Clabo (ATL)
The third-best pass blocking left tackle in football is also the best run blocker. Peters is an unbeatable combination of ability that makes him the best offensive lineman in the NFL this year. Only one player is even close and that he is Tryon Smith is remarkable. Not since Jake Long entered the NFL have we seen such an accomplished performance from a rookie tackle. Rounding out the selections is right tackle Clabo. Like Smith, Clabo is a better pass blocker than run blocker and while this may not be ideal for a right tackle, their respective prowess in that area is good enough for this team.
Just missed: Bryan Bulaga (GB) – He played very well and was much improved on 2010, but injury and hence lack of snaps went against him.
OLB DeMarcus Ware | Overall Grade +24.4 (Pass Rush +25.9 Run Defense +3.6 Pass Coverage +2.6 Penalty -7.7)
Outside Linebackers
DeMarcus Ware (DAL), Clay Matthews (GB), and Sean Weatherspoon (ATL)
So this wasn’t Ware’s best year? Certainly not but he’s still the gold standard against which all other outside linebackers are judged and, even with injury, he still played extremely well–although nine penalties is too much for anyone’s taste. Matthews got derided because his sack numbers were down but that’s just by people who should know better. They should know for example his 20 QB hits are first among 3-4 OLBs and his 39 hurries third. Weatherspoon struggled last year but now his talent is showing through; he was a force in the running game and did well when blitzing. He’s a little inconsistent in coverage but that’s experience and he’s every bit the player the Falcon’s hoped for when they picked him.
Just missed: Aldon Smith (SF), Brian Orakpo (Was) – Smith may be the next great pass rusher and be a rival for Von Miller for many years to come, but we can’t pick a player just playing in sub-packages can we? In Orakpo’s case it was close but not just not good enough; he gets pressure almost as frequently as Ware and almost identically to Matthews but plays the run far worse than either.
TE Jason Witten also merited a mention under their "just missed" categorization. Witten graded out as +7.2 overall, but was greatly impacted by a -5.4 run blocking grade.
Just missed: Jason Witten (DAL) – it’s not that Witten did "just miss" (he was some way off) but when you’ve been at the pinnacle of your position for so long it’s at least worth a footnote. The truth is he actually has regressed a lot this year and his blocking was no longer good enough to overcome the superior receiving performance of Gonzalez.
So what do you think of PFF's assessment? Anyone you think they may have undervalued (cough, Tony Romo ranked eighth in QBs, cough)?
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First to say that the Pro Bowl is just a popularity contest.
"I hope you have a big trunk, 'cuz I'm putting my bike in it."
"History is history. Cowboys have a rich history and the Eagles suck." - DIRE WOLF
Except this isn't the Pro Bowl voting sooooo
Fail.
by mh420800 on Dec 23, 2011 2:34 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Again, shocked at the lack of respect for Alan Ball
We're here to win football games. The way to do that is to tell him and to get on him at the right times. I do that when you guys (media) don't see and watch.''
What else makes a strong leader?
"You win,'' Romo said. "You're a very good leader once you win.
"That's' what we're going to do.''
Costa got hosed
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
RDD=REAL DEAL DEMARCO!!!!
by Archie Barberio on Dec 23, 2011 6:17 PM CST up reply actions
*Costa should be hosed*
Minor correction. :)
by bloodyhanded on Dec 23, 2011 9:40 PM CST up reply actions
His Mom does not respect him.
So why should we?
by bloodyhanded on Dec 23, 2011 9:41 PM CST up reply actions
know that was coming ...PFF loves them some tyron....
i betchu he gets their vote for rookie over the year over Cam and Dalton
"They need security in the world, Craig!"
von miller is light years ahead of everyone in their grades.
hes a lock
by kitten mittens on Dec 23, 2011 2:39 PM CST up reply actions
What about aldon smith
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player and 2012's Superbowl MVP
"Obviously, I felt like if I ran into my lineman there it was going to help the play" ~Tony Romo
have you seen his sack celebration on 3rd downs?
We're here to win football games. The way to do that is to tell him and to get on him at the right times. I do that when you guys (media) don't see and watch.''
What else makes a strong leader?
"You win,'' Romo said. "You're a very good leader once you win.
"That's' what we're going to do.''
by TARHEEL PAUL on Dec 23, 2011 2:45 PM CST up reply actions
Nope.
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player and 2012's Superbowl MVP
"Obviously, I felt like if I ran into my lineman there it was going to help the play" ~Tony Romo
after he gets the sack
he hauls ass to his sideline and sits on the bench. Its pretty cool. He runs full steam right off the field until he gets to the bench.
We're here to win football games. The way to do that is to tell him and to get on him at the right times. I do that when you guys (media) don't see and watch.''
What else makes a strong leader?
"You win,'' Romo said. "You're a very good leader once you win.
"That's' what we're going to do.''
by TARHEEL PAUL on Dec 23, 2011 3:37 PM CST up reply actions
This was in response to a celebration penalty?
If so, that’s awesome.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
thats it..........
so simple yet so creative. Fantastic.
We're here to win football games. The way to do that is to tell him and to get on him at the right times. I do that when you guys (media) don't see and watch.''
What else makes a strong leader?
"You win,'' Romo said. "You're a very good leader once you win.
"That's' what we're going to do.''
by TARHEEL PAUL on Dec 23, 2011 4:04 PM CST up reply actions
What happens when the opposing team decides to go for it on 4th down?
by Aaron Burtram on Dec 23, 2011 4:24 PM CST up reply actions
Not many will
after getting sacked on 3rd down.
That is probably the coolest sack celebration ever. Never mind, not probably.
by sportsfanatic21 on Dec 23, 2011 4:40 PM CST up reply actions
Oh I know that. I’m just throwing out a what if…
by Aaron Burtram on Dec 23, 2011 4:42 PM CST up reply actions
I still like Ware's Frankenstein one on halloween
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
RDD=REAL DEAL DEMARCO!!!!
by Archie Barberio on Dec 23, 2011 6:18 PM CST up reply actions
lmao awesome
reminds me of our handshake celebrations last year for all the BS penalties against us
by somebodyquiet on Dec 23, 2011 10:02 PM CST up reply actions
Dez and Miles still do that
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
RDD=REAL DEAL DEMARCO!!!!
by Archie Barberio on Dec 23, 2011 10:21 PM CST up reply actions
yeah that is pretty cool
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
RDD=REAL DEAL DEMARCO!!!!
by Archie Barberio on Dec 23, 2011 6:17 PM CST up reply actions
i'm just glad we he plays in the west on any down
Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth. Sean Lee is a welcomed addition at ILB & Kegabear's prediction about Spencer looks spot on so far.
Very Valid Poisition On Witten
Witten’s run blocking has been some what diminished the last two seasons compared to what we have grown know to with him. However, Marty B has stepped up and grown into the best blocking TE in the league.
Criticizing Witten is like critisizing the Holy Grail. His blocking has suffered some and with more outside weapons he may not be as targetted as
he once was, but he’s still among the best and is a HOFer.
Wish you were here and comfortably numb.
I can't wait to see him get inducted in 2022 ish haha
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player and 2012's Superbowl MVP
"Obviously, I felt like if I ran into my lineman there it was going to help the play" ~Tony Romo
Like every other weapon we have
i dont care how many targets he gets. Only that when he gets targeted he comes up big. Every time. Thats not even up for debate.
We're here to win football games. The way to do that is to tell him and to get on him at the right times. I do that when you guys (media) don't see and watch.''
What else makes a strong leader?
"You win,'' Romo said. "You're a very good leader once you win.
"That's' what we're going to do.''
by TARHEEL PAUL on Dec 23, 2011 2:46 PM CST up reply actions
I know this is off subject
but I can’t believe we cut Daniel Loper again. GEEZ. What is Jerry thinking. We might as well not even show up tomorrow. Seasons over.
We're here to win football games. The way to do that is to tell him and to get on him at the right times. I do that when you guys (media) don't see and watch.''
What else makes a strong leader?
"You win,'' Romo said. "You're a very good leader once you win.
"That's' what we're going to do.''
Hmmm...
I’d say the Cowboys that have an argument for one of the three best at the position in the conference are:
Tyron Smith: Absolute beast. Monster player, one of the best players in the league. So glad they drafted him. Jerry deserves far more credit than he gets, people act like he’s this idiot GM who’s stuck in his ways but he’s been changing slowly but surely.
Tony Romo: Honestly which NFC QBs are better? Aaron Rodgers sure, I’ll go with it. I’d like to add the caveat that he has four beastly WRs, two awesome TEs, a great OL, and a solid running game but he’s also got an eleven point lead in DVOA so…it’s probably moot anyways. He’s having a better season than Romo. Drew Brees? Absolutely, racking up huge yardage doing it all on an imperfect team. He’s really the MVP right now. Rodgers does less for his team and plays on a better team, it’ll be a shame if Rodgers steals his MVP. Who else is better? Eli Manning? Pfft…Romo blows him out of the water in most stat categories. Cam Newton? Maybe someday he’ll be a Randall Cunningham type QB but for now it’s not even close. Matthew Stafford? He’s getting lots of attention because of the fantasy points he racks up throwing to Megatron, but A.) Romo destroys him straight up in most advanced metrics. B.) Romo’s had broken ribs, hurt receivers, didn’t have a running game most of the year, and there are times where the OL and the rest of the team isn’t evne running the play that’s been called. Stafford will probably be better in a few years, but right now Romo >>>> Stafford. Matt Ryan? Please name one thing that he does better than Romo. So yes, Romo deserves to be on this list.
DeMarcus Ware: He’s the best pass rusher in the league. No need to discuss this
Jason Witten: Others mentioned the huge plays, I’d like to mention he’s not getting the targets and the talk lately. Romo hasn’t looked his way until the third or fourth quarter.
Sean Lee: He’s been hurt a few games and maybe he hasn’t gotten the PT that they’re looking for, his metrics are probably also hurting because he has to cover Brooking’s area and he’s a big part of a great running defense. The Q-tip is affecting his play, so at full strength he’s on this list.
by Omar Little on Dec 23, 2011 3:13 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Omar, please go straight to
the front office in Valley Ranch, do not pass go. You’ve just been hired as Jer’s personal asst. Keep him heading in the right direction.
"Hope is not a strategy" Billy Beane
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
Omar Little has spoken.
And the truth was told.
by bloodyhanded on Dec 23, 2011 9:38 PM CST up reply actions
Jason Peters was a great trade for Philly
28th overall pick for the best offensive lineman in football
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
I knew that at the time. Why can’t we make trades like that?
The year Philly got Peters they also ended up getting another first round selection.
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 23, 2011 3:52 PM CST up reply actions
only PFF thinks so
find someone outside of a philthy homer that does.
by burmafrd1944 on Dec 23, 2011 5:00 PM CST up reply actions
Well for a while he blew in pass protection
He just stepped it up this year. Last season I’d say that Doug Free was better.
Yep. Didn't look so good last season.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
Mike Jenkins would get more love if this DL could get pressure a little faster.
Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth. Sean Lee is a welcomed addition at ILB & Kegabear's prediction about Spencer looks spot on so far.
LETS TRADE DOWN
“THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SMITH , CARAMI AND CASTONZO.”
yea, i remember that talk
We're here to win football games. The way to do that is to tell him and to get on him at the right times. I do that when you guys (media) don't see and watch.''
What else makes a strong leader?
"You win,'' Romo said. "You're a very good leader once you win.
"That's' what we're going to do.''
by TARHEEL PAUL on Dec 23, 2011 4:05 PM CST up reply actions
barf, I remember that
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
RDD=REAL DEAL DEMARCO!!!!
by Archie Barberio on Dec 23, 2011 6:19 PM CST up reply actions
God we said some dumb things before the draft...
I recall basically being down to either Smith, trade down for Watt, Peterson, or Von Miller at the time of the draft. I eventually came to my senses.
Pff
Don’t hold water there stats sorry. They clam to see things we don’t and add and subtract and divide and multiply factors to there own benefit. Stats are proven when you add and subtract and multiply and divide sorry that’s not proven.
by Sado44 on Dec 23, 2011 4:03 PM CST via mobile reply actions
You want to be the best you play against the best
by Aaron Burtram on Dec 23, 2011 4:29 PM CST up reply actions
On your picture, OCC
I think Witten is in the background with the hat on, so you may have the three best players on the team there. Get Tony in the picture somewhere, and you have the top four, hands down.
Formerly Pineywoods - different name, same cockeyed view of the world.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos
Good point. Except of course,
this is KD’s article.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2011 5:59 PM CST up reply actions
bwahahaha- not TOM too!
one of our own?!? Oh, the inhumanity!
| Blogging The Boys | SBNation Dallas | Producer/CoHost Flood The Block Radio, TUE 7p RockTheFlow.com |
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Glad I'm not the only one.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
how about Carlos Rogers?
what a improvement he has had in SF, too bad we didnt sign him
my boy Tron, best rookie tackle performance since Jake Long? wow
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
RDD=REAL DEAL DEMARCO!!!!
by Archie Barberio on Dec 23, 2011 6:17 PM CST reply actions
He's from Auburn.
They’re inherently defective. :)
by bloodyhanded on Dec 23, 2011 9:36 PM CST up reply actions
its hard to compare Tron to the "best rookie since" unless they played the same position.
i would expect its a little more to playing LT your rookie season over playing RT. hopefully Tron is able to switch positions with Free next season bc i believe Tyron will be the better pass blocker by then.
LT = better pass blocker & RT = better run blocker? you want both tackles to be able to do anything & everything but pass blocking is #1 job on the blindside?
Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth. Sean Lee is a welcomed addition at ILB & Kegabear's prediction about Spencer looks spot on so far.
I thought Romo and Lee were worthy
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
RDD=REAL DEAL DEMARCO!!!!
by Archie Barberio on Dec 23, 2011 6:20 PM CST reply actions
As far as ILBs in the NFC go...
Lee’s clearly behind Patrick Willis, but who isn’t? London Fletcher may have had a better season than he did, I guess Navarro Bowman, but I’d like to see what happens when Lee’s next to a guy that can cover and plays against the NFC West six times a year.
When it comes to Tyron Smith you ain't seen nothing
To give you an idea it is sort of akin to this.
Tyron Smith year 1 = Anakin Skywalker in the Phantom menace.
Tyron Smith year 2 := Anakin Skywalker in Attack of the Clones.
Tyron Smith year 3 = Anakin Skywalker in Revenge of the Sith
hahahaha I like that
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
RDD=REAL DEAL DEMARCO!!!!
by Archie Barberio on Dec 23, 2011 10:22 PM CST up reply actions
Tyron Smith is going to the PRO BOWL
He is 21
What is he gonna do when he is 24?
Tyron Smith is a tackle in the Walter Jones/Orlando Pace/ Jonathan Ogden class.
I wouldn’t trade him for Matt Kalil.
Swallow up the sun, me man.
Swallow up the sun.
by bloodyhanded on Dec 23, 2011 9:35 PM CST up reply actions
Tyron Smith reminds me of a young Erik Williams
Just hope he has his head on straight and respects fast cars and the road.
Lets hope he brings the Ogden/Pace rewards and not the Walter Jones ones
It’s going to suck when everyone compares Kalil favorably to him. Smith is a new breed of OLmen, pretty soon were going to see fat guys in the NFL go by the wayside. Since these big passrushers are all juiced up maniacs you’ll need a big athletic tackle to take them and the typical big DLmen. Tron is the new prototype.
And what the hell is Clay Matthews doing on this?
Yeah he’s awesome. but he’s having a huge down year. I may take him over Kerapko, Aldon Smith, or others in most years but this year he’s not delivering. Kinda like Witten. I’d take him over Gonzalez and Graham any day of the week, but those dudes are having better years than he is. That’s the way this stuff works. 16 games is an incredibly small sample size and a guy like Witten can be frozen out of a gameplan a few times and get completely overlooked.
Graham wouldn't be in the same breath as Witten or Gonz if he wasn't playing in a TE friendly offense.
most of the Dallas offense is run through Witten & if teams don’t shut him down then Romo will pick them apart all day. my vision for Garretts offense had 2 TEs that could both block & catch but so far that 2nd TE hasn’t shown up. no team respects martyB trying to run routes & i would like to see a big fast TE that can catch or block drafted this season.
Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth. Sean Lee is a welcomed addition at ILB & Kegabear's prediction about Spencer looks spot on so far.
Romo 8th?
Yeah, well you’ll see tomorrow. And the closing game against the Giants.
And the playoffs that will follow that.
I often appreciate your numbers, but that’s ridiculous.
There might be 3 QB’s I’d rank ahead of Tony right now.
Brady. Rodgers and Brees.
And honestly you can keep the lot of them.
I’ll go into battle with our guy. The right guy. On the right team.
He’s the best of the best. And you ain’t even seen the best yet.
It’s his team. Our future. And titles to be won. And damn will it be sweet.
by bloodyhanded on Dec 23, 2011 9:33 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
No Tony Romo, Sean Lee or Dan Bailey even mentioned as just missed?
How is Matt Ryan ranked ahead of Tony?
Sean Lee has played Pro Bowl caliber, no?
Dan Bailey has been really good-I suspect Akers wouldn’t be on this list if the 49ers weren’t a playoff team.
"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."
Ummm
I have no idea how they validate Eli Manning as number 3. They really have to have totally lost their friggin minds!
RexP
isn't Eli having a career year?
i know Eli has the best QB rating in the 4th quarter & the red zone i believe. i hate the Giants just like the Eagles or Skins but Eli is a valid #3 QB. the kid was a #1 pick, has a rocket for a arm, throws the deep ball as good as anyone in the NFL, dude always plays.
sometimes it doesn’t even pay to get out of the bed
Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth. Sean Lee is a welcomed addition at ILB & Kegabear's prediction about Spencer looks spot on so far.
I'll put it bluntly.
Romo got robbed (not our Rob)
Crouching moron, hidden smarta**
Optimism, pessimism, F*CK THAT; we're gonna make it happen. As God as my bloody witness, I'm hell-bent on making it work.
"This team is going to win a Super Bowl at some point."
Masai Ujiri, Brian Cashman: Magnificent Bastards
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