Grading the ‘Boys, Part VIII: Defensive Line

http://dallascowboystimes.comWe were going to analyze the film and statistics of the outside linebackers for this installation of “Grading the ‘Boys,” but the recent trade rumors surrounding Marcus Spears pushed us to do the defensive line instead. We wanted to determine how effective Stephen Bowen and Jason Hatcher were in 2009, giving us a better sense of why Dallas may have been interested in unloading Spears.Grading defensive linemen is difficult due to the variety of roles that each player can fill. The statistics among players at other positions are generally comparable due to the equality of their on-field duties. For example, whether the Cowboys have Alan Ball or Michael Hamlin in the game at free safety, their duties will likely be the same.The rotation that is employed amongst defensive linemen, however, creates more situational roles for each player. Defensive ends Igor Olshanksy and Marcus Spears, for example, are on the field a lot more during run downs than pass downs....