As the Dallas Cowboys get ready to play their Wild Card playoff game tomorrow night versus the Seattle Seahawks, some players on the team received the honor to be in the the All-Pro teams. The Cowboys had many key pieces this season and this group of players seems to be the best of them all.
Zack Martin made first-team All-Pro. Ezekiel Elliott, Leighton Vander Esch and Byron Jones made second-team All-Pro
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) January 4, 2019
The only Dallas Cowboy to make the first-team All-Pro is Right Guard Zack Martin. Despite dealing with an injury this season, Martin managed to maintain his position as one of the league’s best players at his position. In four of his five seasons in the league, Martin has been named a first-team All-Pro. I won’t be surprised if this streak goes on for a long time.
Despite him being the only one to make the first team, three more Cowboys were able to get in the second-team.
Ezekiel Elliott couldn’t get enough first-team votes over Los Angeles Rams’ Todd Gurley, but his season shouldn’t be overlooked. After all, he’s the 2018 NFL’s rushing champion and has been the best player on the Cowboys’ offense. The team has relied heavily on their star running back to bounce back from a 3-5 start to the season.
Next on the list is the rookie sensation out of Boise State. Leighton Vander Esch has really exceeded expectations, even as a first round pick. Once the unquestionable starter Sean Lee went down injured and Vander Esch made the most out of his opportunity to get on the field. Since then, he’s become one of the best linebackers in the league. His impact is constantly felt when the Cowboys’ defense is on the field. Vander Esch couldn’t beat the Indianapolis Colts’ rookie LB Darius Leonard for the first team spot. Even still, it’s a great accomplishment for the rookie.
Last but definitely not least, is CB Byron Jones. DB Coach Kris Richard did an excellent job taking advantage of Jones’ talent. After many years of watching Jones play in different spots along the defensive backfield, it’s great to see him earn a second-team All-Pro spot. He’s done an excellent job covering his side of the field week in and week out and he’s faced some pretty tough receivers. Many believed he would make the first-team, but Kyle Fuller and Stephon Gilmore beat the Cowboys’ CB to it.
Fortunately, the Cowboys won’t have much time to celebrate their teammates making the All-Pro teams since they’ll be preparing for their playoff matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
