One of the most storied franchises in NFL history has been the Dallas Cowboys, but the team’s legacy has been tarnished over the last decade. The Cowboys overall record for the 2010s was a lackluster 86-74 with only three playoff appearances (2014, 16 and 18) in the decade. It’s hard to imagine that Jerry Jones and company haven’t won a Super Bowl since 1996. Still, the Cowboys have put forth an impressive all-decade team for the 2010s.
Dallas Cowboys All-Decade Team: Offense
2010s Dallas Cowboys All-Decade Team: Defense
Defensive Ends: DeMarcus Ware (2010-13), DeMarcus Lawrence (2014-19)
DeMarcus Ware wasn’t just the best edge pass-rusher for the Cowboys, he may have been for the entire NFL. His time in Dallas was four short seasons, but each were highly productive. Ware recorded 52.5 sacks, countless numbers of forced fumbles and tackles for loss. This type of production had earned him three Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro team honor in the 2010s. No question, Ware was the most feared Cowboys defender during his tenure.
The other famous “DeMarcus” for the 2010s, DeMarcus Lawrence has been an outstanding pass-rushing defensive end in his six seasons with the Cowboys. Lawrence recorded 39 sacks for the decade, but more importantly, he has evolved into a three-down defender. As we head into the 2020s, Lawrence is primed and ready to become one of the true warriors to ever wear a Cowboys uniform.
Defensive Tackles: Jay Ratliff (2010-12), Jason Hatcher (2010-13)
Jay Ratliff was great run-stuffing defensive lineman, which earned him two Pro Bowl appearances in three seasons with the Cowboys during the 2010s. Not many seventh round draft choices have achieved such a honor, but that is attributed to Ratliff’s work ethic to get better at his craft each day. Before moving to the interior, Ratliff began his Cowboys career as a situational pass-rusher. The combination of strength and quickness allowed him to put consistent pressure on the quarterback. After the move to defensive tackle, Ratliff continued to show his ability to disrupt plays in the opponent’s backfield. No question, Ratliff brought something to the unit each week during his years with the Cowboys.
Jason Hatcher was a versatile defensive player as rotated between the defensive end and tackle positions during his time with the Cowboys. He came into the NFL as a 3-4 defensive end, but Hatcher quickly adapted into becoming an effective interior defender. However, he didn’t become a starter until Rob Ryan was hired as Cowboys defensive coordinator in 2011. Ryan loved Hatcher’s pass-rushing skills as he recorded eight sacks during the two seasons they were together. However, Hatcher’s play continued in an upward trend under new DC Monte Kiffin. In 2013, he had career highs in tackles (34) and sacks (11), which allowed Hatcher to leave Dallas in a big money free agent deal with the Washington Redskins.
Outside Linebackers: Anthony Spencer (2010-2014), Leighton Vander Esch (2018-19)
Anthony Spencer was one of the best open field tacklers from the outside linebacker position. At first, the Cowboys defensive coaching staff had a hard time penciling Spencer into one specific role in the lineup. But, the hybrid athlete came into his own from the outside edge on the line of scrimmage. Spencer’s outstanding pass-rushing skills earned him a spot on the Cowboys All-Decade team.
What a start to a NFL career as Leighton Vander Esch finds himself on the Cowboys all-decade team. Why not, Vander Esch has recorded over 200 tackles in his two seasons with the Cowboys. However, an area of concern for him is the significant amount of games missed during his two-year NFL career. After last season, Vander Esch had invasive neck surgery to repair a nerve issue associated with spinal stenosis (curvature of the spine), which he has suffered through since birth. Despite everyone being cautiously optimistic of a full recovery, there is no guarantee that Vander Esch will ever be healthy enough to play an entire season again. Let’s hope these two seasons are the beginning and not the end of a promising NFL career.
Middle Linebacker: Sean Lee (2010-19)
This was another easy selection as Sean Lee has been a leader of the Cowboys defense for the decade. Despite this high accolade, many fans believe Lee doesn’t get recognized as being a great middle linebacker. He possesses good speed, great instincts and exceptional athleticism, which has allowed him to become an incredible tackle machine for the Cowboys. Few give Lee credit for covering the field from sideline-to-sideline while having the skills to stay with a tight end downfield in pass coverage.
The lone drawback in his playing career has been the amount of games (51) missed due to various injuries. His production at the middle linebacker position proves that Lee’s presence in the lineup makes the Cowboys a better team. Let’s all hope that Lee can find a way to stay on the field for at least one more season.
Cornerbacks: Brandon Carr (2012-16), Bryon Jones (2015-19)
Few big money free agent signings live up to the hype. However, Brandon Carr’s deal with the Cowboys was the exception. He lived out his lifelong dream of wearing the iconic white jersey and actually played well amidst the pressures that come with playing for a high-profiled franchise. Carr never missed a game and was a very dependable single coverage corner in his five-year stint with the Cowboys.
Heading into the 2020 season, the Cowboys will miss recently departed Bryon Jones’ versatility on the football field. He began his career as a safety before the Dallas coaching staff switched him to the cornerback position. Quickly, Jones became one of the top shutdown corners in the NFL, which earned him All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.
Safeties: Jeff Heath (2013-19), Barry Church (2010-16)
Jeff Heath is a very physical safety who can play the run just as effective as the deep throw. Few players have risen through the ranks as an undrafted free agent to become the captain of the Cowboys defense. Heath caught the attention of the coaching staff by being an outstanding special teams performer, which forced them to make him a full-time starter in 2017. The only tarnish on his career with the Cowboys was the nagging injuries that plagued him.
Barry Church will never be considered one of the best safeties in the NFL, but his ability to layout an opposing receiver with a vicious hit was his calling card. Usually, it occurred during a pass pattern across the middle of the field. Often, Church’s aggressive style of play set the tone for the Cowboys each week. From 2013-16, he averaged over 108 tackles each season.
Kicker: Dan Bailey (2011-17)
No question, Dan Bailey beat all the odds to become the Cowboys kicker of the decade. He was an undrafted rookie free agent out of Oklahoma State and became one of the most consistent field goal kicker of his era. During his time with the Cowboys, Bailey hit 186 out of 211 field goal attempts for a 88 percent accuracy rate.
Punter: Chris Jones (2011-19)
Who is Chris Jones? Well, he’s been the Cowboys punter since the 2011 season. He has averaged 44.6 yards-per-punt for his career in Dallas and has been effective limiting the amount of returns off each kick. Plus, Jones’ other on-field duties include being the holder on each field goal and extra point attempted.
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