Trevon Diggs Could Be a Major Issue for Cowboys in Playoffs
By Peter Dewey
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs has been incredible at forcing turnovers this year, but has that hidden one of the worst cornerback seasons we’ve seen in a long time?
Unfortunately for Diggs and the Cowboys, it actually has.
Diggs leads the NFL with 11 interceptions this season, but has also allowed the most yards to receivers while in coverage this season. Not only that, but Diggs has posted some other concerning numbers in coverage; showing that his all-or-nothing tactics have some serious drawbacks.
AND…
— Diante Lee (@PFF_DLee) January 2, 2022
45% of his receptions allowed go for 1st Downs or TDs
5th highest yards allowed per target
Tied for most 15+ yard receptions allowed
2nd most open targets allowed in Cover 1
Most yards allowed in Cover 1
Not joking when I say the INTs hide one of the worst ever CB seasons https://t.co/v9Wpqx8CR3
Diggs may be fantastic at forcing turnovers, but he is far from a shutdown corner. The reason he may have as many picks as he does is because quarterbacks keep throwing at him because he has allowed some many yards as well.
This should be a concern for the Cowboys entering the postseason because there are going to be several veteran quarterbacks that may be able to bait or even just beat Diggs in coverage.
Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford and Kyler Murray will all be in the playoffs in the NFC, and those quarterbacks could spell trouble for the Dallas secondary.
Dallas has allowed the ninth-most passing yards in the NFL this season, and while it does have 25 interceptions, those aren’t going to come as easily against playoff-caliber opponents.
To make matters worse, Diggs has seen his missed tackle percentage rise from 7.9 percent in his rookie season to 16.1 percent this year. Cooper Kupp, Davante Adams, Mike Evans and others will have an absolute field day if Dallas can’t wrap up in the secondary.
This shouldn't totally discredit Diggs’ ability to force turnovers, as he’s been the best in the game at that this season. It has, however, come at a price. If the Cowboys' top corner continues to allow big yardage in exchange for one turnover, he may not have the chance to alter a playoff game against some of the NFC’s top quarterbacks.
Diggs and the Cowboys are favored by seven points at WynnBET Sportsbook on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 18.