Diggs explains Schotty decision vs. Packers, outlook for Jets – Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com
Diggs totally understands why he didn’t start in Week 4.
FRISCO, Texas — One week ago, Trevon Diggs was only a couple days ahead of being notified by head coach Brian Schottenheimer that, for the first time since his rookie season, the Dallas Cowboys’ franchise cornerback would not take the field as a starter when the team hosted the Green Bay Packers in primetime.
The return of DaRon Bland saw him moved from nickel corner back to the outside, opposite Kaiir Elam, the latter getting the nod over Diggs for the first two defensive series, but why?
Granted, Diggs nursed a couple of injuries the past two weeks, but that’s not the reason for Schottenheimer’s decision — as it turns out.
“A rough week,” said the All-Pro cornerback.
Diggs took full accountability and credited Schottenheimer for sitting him down, both before and to begin the game, going on to make it clear he’s as focused now as he’s ever been.
“I guess coach was holding me accountable, and I accept it,” Diggs explained. “It’s cool. [I’m] back on track this week and ready to work. Just a rough week.”
Does that mean he’ll return to his starting role when the Cowboys visit the New York Jets?
“Yeah,” he said, and definitively.
George Pickens keeps impressing Cowboys on, off the field – Todd Archer, ESPN
Pickens is making a strong case to be in Dallas long-term.
FRISCO, Texas — Dak Prescott’s pass almost seemed to scrape the AT&T Stadium roof, it was so high.
George Pickens’ eyes never left the football, but he could sense Green Bay Packers cornerback Nate Hobbs nearby and safety Evan Williams sprinting from the middle of the field.
Pickens jumped, got his hands around the pass, outdueling both defenders, and somehow managed to get his feet down for a 29-yard completion to the 1-yard line. Two plays later the Dallas Cowboys had their first touchdown in Sunday night’s 40-40 tie.
It was a play Pickens had made many times before, either at Georgia or in his first three years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it carried added significance because Sunday was the first time he was the Cowboys’ No. 1 receiver.
CeeDee Lamb was a spectator because of a high left ankle sprain, but he was giddy on the sideline when Pickens made the catch.
“Trying to make plays for Dak with CeeDee out,” Pickens said simply after the game.
Lamb’s absence elevates not only Pickens’ status in the Cowboys’ offense, but also his chances to show the rest of the league what he can be, should he become an unrestricted free agent in March.
But Pickens said that doesn’t mean anything to him.
“You got to remember this is a team game,” Pickens said. “This is not like one-on-one basketball where it’s just me and another player. This is a team game.”
The All-Pro special teamer could be out in Week 5.
FRISCO, Texas – Cowboys wide receiver and All-Pro kick returner KaVontae Turpin could miss Sunday’s game against the Jets with a foot injury suffered in Dallas’ Week 4 tie against the Green Bay Packers.
During Wednesday’s media viewing period in practice, Turpin was not present. As it stands, the Cowboys do not believe Turpin’s injury will land him on injured reserve, which would sideline him for four games.
Turpin was coming off the best performance on kickoff returns this season, with six returns for 175 yards, averaging out at 29.2 yards per return. His final kickoff return, a 45-yarder to set Dallas up at their own 46-yard line, helped the Cowboys be in position to score the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Over the offseason, the Cowboys signed Turpin to a three-year, $18 million extension, showing their confidence in Turpin’s ability to help contrubite more in Brian Schottenheimer’s offense as a receiver in addition to his role on special teams.
Dallas Cowboys to open 21-day practice windows for WR Jonathan Mingo, CB Caelen Carson – Dallas Morning News
The Cowboys could be getting more reinforcements soon.
Brian Schottenheimer delivered a crucial update Wednesday as two Cowboys players work their way back from injuries.
According to the Cowboys head coach, the team is opening the 21-day practice windows for wide receiver Jonathan Mingo and cornerback Caelen Carson. The practice windows are crucial parts of the process for players returning from injured reserve.
Cowboys defense has struggled with what Jets QB Justin Fields does best – Todd Brock, Cowboys Wire
Dallas has to find a way to neutralize mobile quarterbacks.
The Cowboys defense has been, on the whole, atrocious through the first four games of Matt Eberflus’s stint as coordinator. Most points allowed in the NFC. Most yards allowed in the league. Second-worst in yards allowed per play. Only two more takeaways than your grandma’s Friday-morning coffee club.
But stopping the run, which had been the team’s previous undoing to the point of becoming an offseason-long mantra, has actually been happening… except for one consistent trouble spot.
The Cowboys have shown themselves to be particularly susceptible to getting gashed by mobile quarterbacks. And that could become a major problem in Week 5 when they take on the Jets and Justin Fields.
Overall, Dallas has done much to shore up their run defense. Through four games, they’re allowing just 4.0 yards per carry, which is actually below the league average of 4.3. But of the 493 total rushing yards they’ve given up, 125 of them- over 25%– have come from opposing quarterbacks.
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