plasticman
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Back in the 90's it wasn't Troy Aikman that set the tone of the game. It wasn't Emmitt Smith and it wasn't the defense.
Those bullies on the O-line made everything else possible. Jimmy liked them big and mean. He revitalized Tuinei, Gogan and Newton, all huge guys. He drafted Erik Williams, Mark Stepnoski and Ron Stone.
On the D-line, the Cowboys rotated two complete starting lineups and they were able to give maximum effort throughout the game.
One thing you will notice about the Cowboys successful Super Bowl D-lines of the past. They always had players that were drafted at the very top.
DE Ed Jones (#1 overall)
DT Randy White (#2 overall)
DT/DE John Dutton (#5 overall)
DT Russel Maryland (#1 overall)
DT Tony Casillas (#2 overall)
Russell Maryland was the only high draft pick resulting from the previous season's record.
Jones and White were draft picks they received from trading. Dutton and Casillas were players drafted by other teams that they traded for.
It makes sense to almost exclusively invest 1st round picks on either line. Overall, you get elite quality players dedicated to teamwork, without most of the future contract drama you get from skill players.
With an elite line, a team can afford to get good solid players in other rounds of the draft that can build a real team.
Those bullies on the O-line made everything else possible. Jimmy liked them big and mean. He revitalized Tuinei, Gogan and Newton, all huge guys. He drafted Erik Williams, Mark Stepnoski and Ron Stone.
On the D-line, the Cowboys rotated two complete starting lineups and they were able to give maximum effort throughout the game.
One thing you will notice about the Cowboys successful Super Bowl D-lines of the past. They always had players that were drafted at the very top.
DE Ed Jones (#1 overall)
DT Randy White (#2 overall)
DT/DE John Dutton (#5 overall)
DT Russel Maryland (#1 overall)
DT Tony Casillas (#2 overall)
Russell Maryland was the only high draft pick resulting from the previous season's record.
Jones and White were draft picks they received from trading. Dutton and Casillas were players drafted by other teams that they traded for.
It makes sense to almost exclusively invest 1st round picks on either line. Overall, you get elite quality players dedicated to teamwork, without most of the future contract drama you get from skill players.
With an elite line, a team can afford to get good solid players in other rounds of the draft that can build a real team.