The Cowboys offensive line has been highly praised in recent years, often called the best single unit in all of football. The last two seasons, however, have seen injuries and illness take away some of the best players from this top-tier unit. And as players like Tyron Smith age, fans have come down harder on what they perceive to be a decline in his play.

Pro Football Focus disagrees with this assessment of Smith, though. This week the respected football media outlet began tweeting out their “best of’s,” with the Cowboys’ left tackle being graded as the team’s best offensive player in 2018.

Tyron Smith led the Cowboys in overall grade on offense during the 2018 season pic.twitter.com/xU3R3B4VzZ

— PFF (@PFF) June 3, 2019

Smith had a roller-coaster of a year in 2017, largely due to back issues. But when healthy and available, there are few left tackles in football who can match Tyron Smith’s output. Smith missed three games in 2018 as well, but was charted by PFF to have given up only 15 pressures, 13 hurries, and no sacks.

Smith was whistled for 7 holding penalties, though, calls which were drive killers for the Cowboys at times. With Smith and guard Zack Martin playing like their normal selves, and center Travis Frederick returning to the lineup, the Cowboys offensive line looks poised to have another top-flight season in 2019.

Tyron Smith’s 80.1 grade places him as the sixth best left tackle in all of football according to Pro Football Focus. And, while their grades are not Gospel, you do have to respect their charting and advanced statistics when evaluating what we all watch on Sunday’s.