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 10 snaps or more (so if a particular player isn’t there, then he didn’t reach the 10 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 9:

Offense:

Defence:

QB:

Thoughts:

OK – let’s start with the bad. Terance Steele – that was a truly shocking performance. Can’t quite believe that his 15 PFF pass blocking score wasn’t his worst of the season. He managed an 8.4 versus SF. I don’t think we can expect to chase games with Tackle play this bad.

Our DTs are truly horrible against the run. Only Gallimore is not in the red in terms of total grade. This week Hankins got most of the snaps with all the others getting a handful each. Luckily Osa is as about as consistent as it gets at the 3T.

Jourdan Lewis remains a tough SOB and consistently has a high tackling grade. However, he has put together 4 consecutive weeks of pretty terrible coverage grades.

Whether we choose to replace our RT or our slot corner with other options on the roster remains to be seen. We are rather stuck with our DTs.

OK – what about the good. Cee Dee may be taking over as the dominant player on this roster. I feel like Lamb would be the player we could least afford to lose right now. He has been enormous the last 3 games. Tolbert is taking more snaps from Gallup each week and you can see why. Ferguson is being given more snaps every week – he remains one of the most consistent offensive performers. Watching the game, it felt like Tron was pretty much dominating and that the PFF grade matches up with that.

Dak had another great outing. He was knocked by PFF in terms of run grade – maybe for the 2 point try. He has now stacked several good games in a row. He is reacting so much better to the situation around him. He is escaping the pocket when he needs to, and he is making a lot of high quality throws. Lets hope he keeps this going – consistency has always been the key.

By PFF we have the best DE tandem in the league. Lawrence and Parsons continue to play at a high level. Sam Williams also had his best game this season – we could really do with him coming into form as the season progresses. Bland and Gilmore were very good yesterday – Bland is developing into one of the better corners in the league. Hooker is a very solid deep safety. Outside of that, our LB play is so so and our safety play outside of Hooker was pretty meh. Outside of our DEs and our main CBs, I just don’t feel like I notice any of our other defensive players all that much.

Overall, there are just a few too many problem areas on this team that are consistent week to week. The Cowboys are good, but they still aren’t quite good enough.