The Dallas Cowboys struck gold, not once but twice. In 2011, sitting with the No. 9 overall selection, the club began the remake of their offensive line by selecting an uber-athletic offensive tackle from USC by the name of Tyron Smith. Three years later, they took their third offensive lineman in four years by snagging Notre Dame tackle Zack Martin and moved him inside to guard. The result? Along with Wisconsin center Travis Frederick, one of the most reveled group of lineman the league has seen in some time.
Now, Martin and Smith will be honored for all time, as they have both been named to the NFL’s All-Decade team for the 2010s.
Smith, who has made seven straight Pro Bowls and has two All-Pro appearances, has anchored the Cowboys left tackle position since his second year. He came along at a time where the team was desperate for a rebuild on the offensive line and Smith ushered in the new era of Dallas’ great wall. Smith has been one of the best left tackles in the league and has earned his spot on the list.
Martin was drafted in 2014, much to the chagrin of some who wanted to select Tony Romo’s replacement, Johnny Manziel. All Martin has done since then is become one of the best players in the league and earned every personal accolade possible. Martin’s been named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first six seasons, been a first-team All-Pro four times, including last season, and a second-team All-Pro twice. One would be hard pressed to find a better guard in the game.
While Smith and Martin were recognized for their achievements with their inclusion on the All-Decade team, their was a notable omission for the Cowboys.
The recently-retired Frederick was snubbed as being considered among the best centers in the league for the last decade.
Frederick’s five Pro Bowls, and three All-Pro nods, one on the first-team and two second-team appearances, weren’t enough to be one of two the centers on the illustrious list.
Those honors when to Alex Mack and Maurkice Pouncey, respectively. Mack’s career has spanned 11 years and included six Pro Bowl appearances and three second-team All-Pro awards. He’s never been named first-team All-Pro.
Pouncey is a 10-year veteran who has made eight Pro Bowls and been named an All-Pro five times, including twice as a first-team player in 2011 and 2014. He’s been named to the Pro Bowl is four straight season, but had only one All-Pro nod in that time, in 2018.
The league appears to have favored longevity over quality of play. Since Frederick has come into the league, he has been one of the best center’s in the game. Mack and Pouncey are good players, but neither has matched Frederick’s play since he entered the NFL in 2013.
Martin and Smith were the only Cowboy inclusions on the NFL’s 2010 All-Decade team. Both offensive lineman were deserving of the honor and should’ve been joined by their teammate Frederick.
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