I know I'm getting old when I can reference players that the next generation of Dolphans (God bless you all) never saw play.
I think it boils down to the D you play. ZT is not good in a 3-4. I watched him play, because I get.....EVERY.....SINGLE....DALLAS....COWBOYS games...in a 3-4. It wasn't pretty. Stats don't tell every story. He was overmatched...Granted, he was old, but, at the same time, he isn't a ILB. He's a MLB.
Cox could play anywhere. He was not as mentally talented, but, more physically talented, and, he was a no - **** tough guy. My freind Finfang pointed out how he challenged a whole benchload of football players to fight. None of them stirred. There was no question in my mind that Bryan was ready to kill every single one of them, and, thought he could. It's a question of mindset.
They both were great Dolphins. I will take Cox. The guy is the closest thing I've ever seen to Ray Lewis playing for the Dolphins.