Cowboys' Pro Bowlers get another tip of the hat
The Dallas Cowboys didn't perform as well on offense as they would have liked in their second-round loss to the San Francisco 49ers. However, they had several members of the unit make the Pro Bowl roster, and a couple just got a major tip of the hat. Cowboys' right guard Zack Martin made his eighth […]
The Dallas Cowboys didn't perform as well on offense as they would have liked in their second-round loss to the San Francisco 49ers. However, they had several members of the unit make the Pro Bowl roster, and a couple just got a major tip of the hat.
Cowboys' right guard Zack Martin made his eighth Pro Bowl in nine seasons, and running back Tony Pollard earned his first nod. However, both also performed to a level that the NFLPA named Martin and Pollard top-five players at their positions for the 2022 season which was voted on by the players.
Martin is the one that isn't surprising. Since he entered the NFL in 2014, Martin has been not just one of the best but arguably the best right guard in the world. Except for 2020 when he dealt with multiple injuries, Martin has been named an All-Pro eight times (six first-team selections).
Martin's reputation is being a mauler on the interior, and rightfully so, he's a savage. However, Martin is also very technically sound as a blocker having only been flagged for seven holding calls in nine seasons (only three since 2015).
People had been campaigning for more Pollard this season, and they got it. His 193 carries were a career-high, and although that was nearly 40 less than Ezekiel Elliott, Pollard led the Cowboys with 1,007 rushing yards. Pollard tied his career-best with 39 receptions and set new highs with 371 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions.
Pollard was simply electrifying in his fourth year averaging 5.9 yards per touch and logging five touchdowns over 30 yards. Also, his 90.2 grade for the season was fourth among running backs according to Pro Football Focus.
Despite having suffered a broken leg in the playoffs, Pollard will be a big priority for the Cowboys in the offseason. They could franchise tag him or restructure other deals to keep him on the roster.
Martin and Pollard certainly earned this accolade with their performances this season and it more than likely won't be the last for either player.
Feature image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
