Cowboys-Browns: Does Dallas Have a Championship Defense?

Martin played with Jones until his career was done, and Jones played with Jeffcoat 'til he retired. Haley is remembered more for his personality than his ability, and he was always overshadowed by the triplets!

The Cowboys' current defensive line has Bigfoot-sized shoes to fill to measure up to the old Cowboys. This line did not have one Pro Bowler last year, unless you count the outside linebackers—Ellis and Ware—who functioned as the pass rushers.

However I think this new line is going to bring terror this year. Tank Johnson, who only played half a season due to a suspension, is now familiar with the defense, has a better grip on his duty, and most importantly, is more acquainted with his fellow linemen.

They don't call him Tank because he guzzles gas! He is going to break out this season and trap the quarterback/deer in his headlights.

Marcus Spears, whom I thought was never going to surpass the good stage, has been explosive on the line in the preseason this year. Jay Ratliff, who replaced Jason Ferguson (now in Miami) last year due to injury, signed a large extension, so Jones is happy with him.

Reserve Jason Hatcher is ingrained in my memory forever after he recovered a Tom Brady fumble last year and ran it back to the house. Chris Canty is hoping to double last year's performance and is still a starter. This line should probably have at least one Pro Bowler, most likely Tank Johnson.

Finally, the safeties.

The safeties are the defense's strength, in my opinion. Roy Williams is not the best cover guy, but last year was his first real year to really cover. Hopefully, he is covering better, but his passion and power are in stopping the run. Despite his shortcomings, he made the Pro Bowl.

The other three, in their roles, are fantastic. Pro Bowler Ken Hamlin was one of the finest safeties in the league, and since joining the Cowboys, he has only gotten better. Pat Watkins is just great.

I think that Jones's hardest decision is choosing his safeties, because Watkins could start for a lot of teams and is a hit on special teams, returning a blocked field goal to the end zone for six. 

If one of our two safeties goes down, Dallas has an excellent backup to fill in.

Keith Davis is, arguably, the best special-teams player on the team and a team captain.

This is the defense that has to take on Cleveland. Let's hope they don't give up 35 points again.

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