It's been years since the Dallas Cowboys saw the best version of Trevon Diggs. He's always been prone to giving up big plays, but he used to make up for it with some highlight-reel worthy plays of his own, serving as one of the league's top ball-hawks.
But after years of injuries and overall disappointing performances, it seems like someone is finally holding Diggs accountable. Brian Schottenheimer benched Diggs against the Green Bay Packers, and he responded with his best performance of the season. When asked about that, the first-year head coach admitted that he wanted more from his veteran.
Cowboys' Brian Schottenheimer Has Been 'Tough' on Trevon Diggs
"He's been banged up a little bit," Schottenheimer said, per Clarence Hill Jr of All City DLLS. "I've been a little tough on Trevon, just in terms of the consistency and things like that. But, man, I thought he played really well tonight. I'm proud of him. And, you know, again, it's a similar type thing with other guys. I mean, it wasn't just us picking on Trevon. And Trevon is a hell of a player."
Schottenheimer still believes that Diggs can make a big impact on the field. And even though he was disappointed with the final score, the Cowboys' head coach thinks the team is trending in the right direction after the first month of the regular season:
"Trevon is a huge part of what we're trying to do. And, you know, I think at the end of the day, you know, we talked about the guys that stepped up in this game. And again, I can't tell you how proud I am of those guys for answering the call the way that they did. And when you do that, guys, you're going to find a way to win, and that's coming," added Schottenheimer.
Diggs finished the game with four tackles and one crucial tackle for loss. He was on the field down the stretch, and he was responsible for disrupting the Packers' final drive in overtime, forcing them to settle for a game-tying field goal.
According to Joseph Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News, Diggs was actually the second-highest-graded defender on the team (83.3) behind only DE James Houston IV (89.3). Maybe that tough love was just what he needed to get back on track.
Of course, the Cowboys still gave up 40 points, and they rank dead last in the league in total yards and passing yards allowed per game, all while allowing the second-most points. They need to do better, and Diggs, as one of the veteran leaders and highest earners on the defense, must be one of the first to step up.