What an abundance of choices! This year’s list of defensive Leon award-worthy players was so deep, I had to leave some qualified players out. Where’s Bradie James? How about some love for Chris Canty, who took his game to a new level this year?
Only five players could make the cut. With apologies to the rest, here are our candidates for the 2007 Defensive Leon.
The 2007 Leon Award
OLB Greg Ellis returned from a serious Achilles tendon injury to be the ideal bookend rusher in Dallas’ 3-4 scheme. Ellis finished 6th in the league with 12.5 sacks, though he played sparingly the first month.
FS Ken Hamlin closed the gaping wound in the deep center of the Dallas secondary. After years of playing strong safeties out of position in centerfield, Hamlin showed us what a true free safety looks like. He was fourth on the team with 62 tackles and snagged five interceptions. Most importantly, the secondary which bled big pass plays in ‘06 cut its TDs allowed total from 25 to 19.
CB Terence Newman returned from a frightening foot injury that threatened to end or at the very least compromise his season. His tight coverage and four interceptions earned Newman his first Pro Bowl spot.
NT Jay Ratliff went from understudy to leading man when starting NT Jason Ferguson tore a biceps muscle one quarter into the season. Ratliff not only anchored the Cowboys rush defense, but he provided a steady inside pass rush, a novelty for a nose guard. He was rewarded with a hefty contract extension.
OLB Demarcus Ware continued to progress, finishing 3rd in the NFL with 14.0 sacks. Ware has raised his sack totals every season and still has room to improve.
Ladies and gentlemen, another regular season has come and gone. The Cowboys have not only made it into the playoffs but have garnered the top seed in the conference. In recognition of their accomplishments, The Boys Blog is proud to announce the inaugural Leon awards.
The 2007 Leon Award
First up we have the Cowboys Offensive Most Valuable Player.
QB Tony Romo followed up a solid half season in 2006, earning his first Pro Bowl, with a stellar 2007 season and another Pro Bowl appearance. Ending the regular season as the top-rated NFC quarterback (97.4) and and set franchise record for passing yards in a season (4211) and touchdowns in a season (35).
WR Terrell Owens followed a solid season in 2006 with a record season as well. He ended the season 5th in yards (1355) and set a franchise record for touchdowns in a season (15) as well as tying the record for touchdowns in a game (4 vs. Washington on 11/18/07). He will be making his 6th Pro Bowl appearance, his first as a Dallas Cowboy.
TE Jason Witten was the 2nd leading tight end in receptions (96, three behind Tony Gonzales) and set a franchise record for receptions in a game (15 vs. Detroit on 12/09/07). He earned his 4th consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.
RB Marion Barber came up just 25 yards short of a 1,000-yard season, despite splitting carries with Julius Jones. He finished with a 4.8 yards-per-carry average and 10 rushing touchdowns while earning his first Pro Bowl berth and establishing himself as close to a “sure thing” in goal situations that Dallas has had since Emmitt Smith.
LT Flozell Adams had a solid (contract) season. He protected Romo’s blind side to allow him to excel. When Dallas ran left, it was usually off tackle, while running wide ore often to the right. His play earned him a starting position in his 4th Pro Bowl.