Anthony Brown shows he’s ready to improve in 2022 after big-play interception

One of the standout players from Dallas Cowboys camp so far has been one who has been considered underappreciated and underrated by many — CB Anthony Brown.

While some may choose to only remember him for his rough, penalty-filled performance against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thanksgiving, Brown was doing great things for the Cowboys while getting overshadowed by Pro Bowler Trevon Diggs throughout last year. In 2021, Brown allowed just 49.6% of completions against him.

In a recent interview with 105.3 The Fan at Cowboys training camp in Oxnard, Brown discussed his impressive start to camp. He told the broadcasters that he doesn’t mind flying under the radar while Diggs (deservedly) gets the attention. However, the cornerback fully plans on getting better in 2022.

That started at training camp this week. Before T.J. Vasher’s stellar, one-handed touchdown grab, Brown had one of the best plays of the week when he picked off QB Dak Prescott for a pick-six. When asked how he made it happen, Brown said that he was focusing more on the receiver’s mannerisms than Prescott. He also added that because it was part of a two-minute drill, he knew that the goal would be for Prescott to get the ball out quickly. From there, he knew what to expect and easily jumped the route.

Cowboys CB Anthony Brown has a strong start to training camp with a pick-six off Dak Prescott

In the interview, Brown told the broadcasters that he’s not bothered by Diggs’s success. In fact, it inspires him to be better and join the fun:

"I’m telling Tre. I’m like ‘man, you hyping me up over here. I’ve got to get my interceptions now. I can’t just let you get all the interceptions. I want to join the party, too.’"

But it’s not just about interception numbers for Brown. The cornerback also knows that he struggled with penalties and giving up big plays in 2021. His goal for 2022 is to improve in every statistical category, including giving up fewer total yards, fewer penalties, and fewer yards after the catch. The term he continually used was that he wanted to have a “clean season.”

The awareness of where he needs to improve and not just focusing on the flashy plays will be incredibly important for the 28-year-old. Plus, his efforts are being recognized by the coaching staff.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy had high praise for his cornerback who was often seen batting passes and outplaying receivers throughout the first week of training camp.

McCarthy even joked with the members of the media that Brown deserves more attention from reporters. If he continues to play in the preseason and the regular season the way he is in camp, he certainly will.