Having finally shelled out for a PFF subscription, I’ve decided to put together a weekly set of grades for the Cowboys for this year. My intention is to keep a running tab throughout the year so we can compare player grades from week to week – I’ve decided to split into two halves (weeks 1-8 and weeks 9-17) so the tables don’t get too overwhelming. I’m just going to present the total grade for each player who plays a total of 15 snaps or more (so if a particular player isn’t there, then he didn’t reach the 15 snap threshold). I’m happy to add extra detail if anyone wishes – just comment below.

The info on how PFF calculates their grades is included here - https://www.pff.com/grades#:~:text=THE%20GRADING%20SCALE,but%20those%20are%20the%20basics

Obviously, this is an attempt to make add objectivity to what is a subjective analysis. However, it is always worth remembering that despite this, it is still a human being with all his/her inherent biases making the judgement.

PFF tend to colour code their player grades and I’ve added those to the charts below. The colour coding works roughly as shown below. It is slightly confused for week by week games as PFF use shades, so I’ve add my own number for a cleaner definition (although am adding my own bias a little bit). Have now included the average PFF score for each player so far this season along with positional rank – this only includes players with a minimum number of snaps so not every one is included.

Since QB is such an important position, I’ll add one extra chart at the end which includes the QB PFF grade and the QBR. Both rate QB play on a play by play basis. PFF has some subjectivity, QBR is largely an objective analysis.

Finally, I’ll add a few thoughts at the end. Keep an eye out for Red’s more detailed PFF piece later in the week.

PFF grades – Week 3:

Offense:

Defense:

QB:

Thoughts:

Back to total team domination again – outside of the redzone issues. 3 out of 4 weeks, the Cowboys have destroyed the opposition including against two of the better defenses in the league.

What does it all mean? Is this version of the Cowboys any different than the last two years? That remains to be determined.

The offense is highly efficient – short of the redzone issues. The ball is getting spread around to multiple receivers and Gallup and Tolbert seem to be growing into the role. Ferguson is one of our more consistent players at the moment. I’m sure some people will claim that Dak just drove the bus, but to me that was elite Dak on show Sunday. Pretty much in full command of the offense and choosing the right options alongside throwing a very pretty ball. The running game was a little bottled up, but we sprang a few decent runs. Finally, if we ever do get our top OL on the field at the same time, it really is a hell of a unit. Tyler Smith – 2 games in – is playing as well as anyone in the league.

As for the defense, the LBs showed up. Both LVE and Clark graded very highly after laying an egg last week. They both were huge contributors to shutting down the NE running game. The big surprise is Gallimore, who is trending upwards while Hankins and Smith are trending the other way. Bland had a great game, although a ball hawking CB must rub his hands in glee against a QB who is unlikely to throw it over the top that often. Just sit on your routes and react. Finally, shout out to DLaw – despite all the deserved praise heaped on Micah, Lawrence is looking like our most dominant defensive player at the moment.