Did Dallas Cowboys injuries force the best mix of corners?

Have recent injuries forced the Dallas Cowboys’ best corner mix?

It’s easy to believe the Dallas Cowboys will decline at corner after Chidobe Awuzie has now joined Anthony Brown on the injury shelf for an extended period. A walk down memory lane may not support this assumption.

The revamped Cowboys defense was supposed to have two new components. First, everything was to revolve around heavy pressure up front. A surge of accomplished veteran defensive linemen now wear the star. While their rush impact has yet to be realized, the sheer talent of this group says it’s only a matter of time.

Second, new secondary coach Al Harris was on the hunt for big, aggressive outside corners. The idea was to jam receivers and disrupt routes while the quarterback tries to navigate increased pocket pressure. Thus more turnovers should ensue.

LETHAL WEAPON 5: DIGGS AND WORLEY

Dallas followed Harris’ physicality blueprint by drafting Trevon Diggs (6-1, 205). They also signed veteran Daryl Worley (6-1, 215) in free agency. Diggs arrived with a second round pedigree and a chance to start as a rookie. Worley had notched 49 starts in 56 games before arriving in Dallas.

When camp began very few fans believed Awuzie and Brown would end up being the best outside corner duo. Most were in agreement they’d be replaced before or during the season.

Fortunately, Diggs has already shown he’s up for the task and deserves to start. Now with Awuzie and Brown sidelined, Worley should get a chance to form the bigger, physical outside duo many anticipated.

LEWIS BACK WHERE HE BELONGS

There’s another aspect to remember with this new shuffling. Slot corner Jourdan Lewis was being touted as the best returning 2019 Cowboys corner heading into camp. He continued to start in the slot in camp before falling to injury.

Lewis had a shaky outing in his return last week, but every Dallas corner on the field followed suit. There’s little doubt a healthy Lewis is the best slot corner on the roster. With a game now under his belt to knock off rust, he will be better.

Depth is always a concern when losing contributors, but veteran Brandon Carr is still capable of holding his own if needed to spell a corner starter.

FIRST LOOK AT PROMISED NEW CONCEPT

The Cowboys defensive line has to be fuming after the public shaming they’ve taken this week from local media. If pass rush pressure doesn’t turn up a few notches in Seattle it will be a surprise.

If rushers can make Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson uncomfortable, fans should see the physical corner concept Harris was aiming for. The trio of Diggs, Worley, and Lewis is the very group many were hoping for when the season began.

Let’s see if unfortunate injuries accidentally forced the stubborn Cowboys coaches to start their best corner mix of the season on Sunday. It won’t always be pretty against Seattle’s dangerous receivers, but their combined impact can make a dent.