6 Cowboys have one of ‘101 Top Skills’, NFC East represented
Every position on a football field asks the jobholder to do multiple things well. Being a quarterback, for instance, is obviously about more than just arm strength or pinpoint accuracy; there’s also touch, timing, mechanics, footwork, scramble ability, vision, competitive nature, and decision-making. And being the best at one of those things doesn’t automatically carry over to the other skills.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen set out to identify 101 different traits- on offense, defense and special teams- and then name the NFL’s best of the best at each specific skill.
A half-dozen Cowboys made the list. Ten more honorees came from the other teams in the division, giving the NFC East a slightly higher-than-average percentage of the league’s top talent at the various skills listed.
Here’s a look at who was singled out, who was left out, and which rivals may have edged out a few of your Cowboys favorites.
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Best decision-maker: Dak Prescott
2023 has been quite the turnaround for Prescott, at least in the eyes of most observers. Too quick to force the ball into bad situations last season, Prescott’s recent rediscovery of his legs as a weapon has given him a dangerous option to go to now when things break down.
Says Bowen:
“One season after tying for the league-lead in interceptions (15), Prescott has seven through 14 games (tied for sixth-fewest). He also has a Total QBR of 72.7 this season, second-best in the league, and he’s being smart with the ball, especially in critical game moments.”
Best pass-protecting back: Tony Pollard
Cowboys fans felt good about Pollard’s speed and shiftiness coming into the season, but most imagined that backfield pass blocking would suffer once Ezekiel Elliott walked out the door. Instead, Pollard has shown himself to be more than proficient in that department, often buying Prescott valuable time in the pocket.
Bowen agrees:
“I like Pollard here due to his physicality at the point of attack, along with his willingness to take on second- and third-level blitzers in pass protection. He’s another key part of the Cowboys’ production in the pass game this season.”
Most elusive pass-catcher: CeeDee Lamb
The fourth-year receiver is always good for a circus catch or two, but don’t underestimate the show he puts on once the ball’s in his hands. Lamb’s elusiveness gives him an added dimension, especially working the middle of the field out of the slot, where he can embarrass your safety after he’s already posterized your cornerback.
Bowen notes:
“Slippery after the catch, Lamb can weave his way through traffic while still playing at top speed. He has 24 receptions of 20 or more yards this season, the second-most in the NFL behind [Tyreek] Hill.”
Fastest closing speed to QB: Micah Parsons
Of all the things Parsons does exceptionally well, that turbo-boost gear he hits once his prey is in his sights is perhaps the most jaw-dropping. He’s lightning-fast off the snap, but if the quarterback is still holding the ball once he gets past the line, Parsons has a knack for practically teleporting himself into position for a sack.
According to Bowen:
“Parsons has rare traits, including his elite closing speed. He can cover ground in a hurry. Parsons — who leads the NFL with a pass rush win rate of 36.7% and 61 pressures — has 12.5 sacks this season.”
Top ball hawk: DaRon Bland
Cowboys fans saw enough of a glimpse of Bland’s ball skills last year that there wasn’t all-out panic when Trevon Diggs went down, but no one expected him to set an NFL all-time record and be leading the league in picks in late December. His five interceptions as a rookie weren’t just beginner’s luck; this fifth-rounder is the real deal and here to stay.
Bowen says:
“Bland leads the league with eight interceptions, and his five pick-sixes are an NFL record. He’s a gambler in coverage with the ball skills to cash in.”
Best kicking accuracy: Brandon Aubrey
There’s been no bigger surprise- and perhaps no better story- in the NFL this season than Aubrey. A college soccer phenom who flamed out in MLS, then became a software engineer, then was goaded by his wife into trying football, then became a two-time USFL champion, and only then was invited to try kicking for the most recognized sports franchise on the planet, he’s done nothing but put the ball through the uprights as the unlikeliest rookie superstar.
Writes Bowen:
“Aubrey is a perfect 31-for-31 on field goal attempts this season, and he has hit eight from 50-plus yards — including one from 60 in the Week 14 win over the Eagles.”
Which Cowboys were snubbed?
Fans often have a skewed perspective on how their own players genuinely stack up against those they don’t watch week in and week out. Yes, Tyler Smith is a beast at left guard, but is he really more explosive than Trent Williams or better at opening running lanes than Penei Sewell? Can we really say either Zack Martin or Tyron Smith is the best anchor over Lane Johnson or the most disciplined lineman over Joe Thuney?
Jake Ferguson has become a wrecking ball for Dallas, but c’mon, he’s not going to be named the league’s best in-line blocking tight end over George Kittle.
DeMarcus Lawrence has a case for being singled out on ESPN’s list, but coming out ahead of Nick Bosa (best speed to power), Maxx Crosby (best motor), or Myles Garrett (most explosive pass rusher) is a tough ask.
Everyone knows KaVontae Turpin is capable of torching a punt coverage unit anytime he touches the ball. Problem is, he hasn’t had a ton of opportunities. With just 11 returns on the season, it’s hard for his stats to hold up against guys who’ve had two or three times as many. Only six punt returns have gone to the house leaguewide in 2023; just one by Turp probably would have put him in the running to make this list.
Would Trevon Diggs have made the list had he not suffered an ACL tear in September? Entirely possible, but we’ll never know.
Eagles: 8 players named
Philadelphia had eight players chosen for specific skills in all three phases, helping to explain why they’re one of the top teams in the game.
Most competitive quarterback: Jalen Hurts
Most physical pass-catcher: A.J. Brown
Best toe-tapper: DeVonta Smith
Best anchor: Lane Johnson
Best handwork on offensive line: Jason Kelce
Best pedal transition: Darius Slay
Best open-field tackler: Reed Blankenship
Best punt returner: Britain Covey
Giants: 1 player named
Commanders: 1 player named
Commanders punter Tress Way made the list, but not for his primary job. Way was named the league’s best holder.
