He has as many as Joe DeLamielleure, Gene Hickerson and that famous Washington Hog, Russ Grimm. He has one more than Mike Munchak and Will Shields, who went to 12 straight Pro Bowls. And he has two more than Tom Mack, who played 13 years.
"He's probably the most technically sound guard you'll ever come across," Vikings defensive tackle Shamar Stephen said of Martin. "I mean his technique is amazing. And he plays strong. He's physical. He's got the whole package."
The same can be said of the Cowboys' entire offensive line, which Pro Football Outsiders ranks as the NFL's best at run blocking and fourth best at pass protection. The only other team in the top five in both categories is the Raiders, who rank fourth in run blocking and second in pass protection.
When asked Thursday if this is the best offensive line the Vikings have faced this season, the first three words to leave defensive coordinator George Edwards' mouth were, "I'd say yeah." Then, not wanting to slight previous opponents, three of whom the Vikings have to play again, he quickly added that "every week is the best offensive line we've faced, you know what I mean?"
Absolutely, George. The Cowboys do indeed have the best line the Vikings have faced this year. In fact, if you're looking to crown an MVP of a team that ranks No. 1 in yards per game (436.8), yards per play (6.69) and passing yards per play (8.42), it's no one named Zeke or Dak or Amari or Jason.
It's a five-headed unit that goes, left to right, two-time first-team All-Pro tackle Tyron Smith, guard Connor Williams, one-time first-team All-Pro center Travis Frederick, Martin and tackle La'el Collins. Smith (2011), Frederick (2013) and Martin (2014) were first-round picks, Williams (2018) was a second-round pick and Collins (2015) would have been a first-round pick had pre-draft legal issues that later were resolved not caused him to go undrafted.
