Cowboys' defender keeps solidifying his elite status
One of the main reasons the Dallas Cowboys took a major leap forward on the defensive side of the ball in 2021 was the play of cornerback Trevon Diggs. He led the NFL with 11interceptions, finished second on passes defended (21), and score two touchdowns, culminating in first-team All-Pro honors in just his second season. […]
One of the main reasons the Dallas Cowboys took a major leap forward on the defensive side of the ball in 2021 was the play of cornerback Trevon Diggs. He led the NFL with 11interceptions, finished second on passes defended (21), and score two touchdowns, culminating in first-team All-Pro honors in just his second season.
The Cowboys have the NFL's third-best pass defense, and Diggs and his savvy balls skills are once again sitting at the forefront. So much so that when Pro Football Focus listed the best cornerbacks so far in 2022, Diggs came in fifth.
Marcus Mosher on Diggs' ranking:
"Diggs doesn’t have the gaudy interception total that he had at this time last year, but he’s been a much more consistent player. He still has three interceptions on the season, and opposing quarterbacks are still mindful of where he is at all times. Diggs is the NFL’s biggest boom-or-bust cornerback, but he’s done a better job of limiting big plays this season. His eight pass breakups are tied for the second-most at the position."
Although the Cowboys lost in Week 10 in overtime to the Green Bay Packers, Diggs got shown the ultimate respect. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer, only threw one pass in Diggs' direction which is the fewest targets he's ever seen in a game, stamping his place among the league's best at his position.
Diggs has had several other games where he has locked down the opposing team's passing attack in his area. He held Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals to two receptions for 14 yards in Week 2. Also, Diggs allowed just one reception and snagged an interception against the Washington Commanders in Week 4, and a minuscule six yards on a single catch in Week 7 versus the Detroit Lions.
Diggs has also looked better as a tackler this season for the Cowboys. He still needs improvement, but he did make back-to-back huge stops against the Bengals late in the fourth quarter that forced a punt, and the Cowboys won the game on the following possession.
It hasn't been as flashy this year, but Diggs continues to be a top-flight cornerback.
Feature image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
