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The most important player to every NFC teams’ playoff hopes

By Joel Deering

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 16: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball for a 21 yard touchdown, his second of the day, in the fourth quarter of them game against the Miami Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 16: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball for a 21 yard touchdown, his second of the day, in the fourth quarter of them game against the Miami Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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NFC teams' playoff hopes - Zack Martin
ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 08: Dak Prescott #4 celebrates his touchdown run with Zack Martin #70 of the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Dallas Cowboys (8-6)

Most important player: RG Zack Martin

There are a lot of big names on this Cowboys roster. With skill position players such as Dak Prescott, Amari Cooper and Ezekiel Elliott on the team, you’d think it would be one of those guys who’s the most important to this NFC team’s playoff hopes. Well, it’s actually not any of them.

While Prescott, Cooper, and Elliott are all important players to the Cowboys’ success, the most important player is RG Zack Martin. Martin is widely considered one of, if not the best guard in football. When he’s on the field, the Cowboys are that much better. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, this season has been plagued by nagging injuries to Martin.

Martin has been able to play through several of his injuries this season, which has ultimately helped this team get to eight wins, but last week he wasn’t on the field. Last week this offense had a very hard time moving the ball, which led to them being shut out.

It was obvious Martin’s absence was impacting what the Cowboys could do offensively. Without Martin in the game, Prescott was sacked three times and hit five. When he wasn’t getting hit, he wasn’t given much time to throw or room to move around.

Then there’s the running game. Ezekiel Elliott still rushed for 87 yards and a 4.8 yards per carry average without Martin in the lineup, but having Martin would have made things much easier. His abilities as a run blocker allow the Cowboys to be more creative in the run game. Instead, the offensive line was overpowered with rookie Connor Williams filling in.

Dallas can clinch the NFC East with just one more win. They have a good chance to get that win against the Buccaneers at home this Sunday, but Martin is no lock to play. I know it’s hard to think a guard can make that much of a difference on offense, but Zack Martin is that good. If he plays this week, I like the Cowboys’ chances.

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