The Dallas Cowboys picked up a 30-23 win over the Washington Commanders on Christmas Day. It's always great to pick up a win over a division rival, but the Cowboys should consider just shutting down cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. for the season.
He didn't look good out there, grading as one of the worst Dallas defenders according to Pro Football Focus. Revel finished with the third-worst overall grade for the Cowboys' defense in Week 17, at 50.1. He also logged a 43.3 run-defense grade, 27.2 tackling grade, and a 55.9 coverage grade.
And to make matters worse, Revel was placed in concussion protocol, per Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Considering there's just one game left on the schedule, the Cowboys should shut it down with Revel and turn their attention to coaching up his flaws in the offseason.
Cowboys Should Shut Down Shavon Revel Jr. After Week 17
Despite being active for the last seven games, one of Revel's biggest mishaps is his tackling. He's failed to bring down defenders in the open field and needs help in that area. Revel has missed eight tackles (18.6%), with at least two missed tackles in three games this season.
And that's just one area where he needs to improve. In terms of a pass defender, there's room for growth as well. Against the Commanders, he gave up four catches (six targets) for 84 yards. This was his second straight game allowing 80-plus yards to their opponents.
On the totality of the season, the East Carolina product has allowed 21 catches (31 targets) for 295 receiving yards and two scores. There are several areas that Revel needs to improve upon, and having this concussion could end his rookie season.
Multiple steps need to be cleared from the league's protocol, and with just one game remaining, the Cowboys may not be in a rush to get Revel back in action. Jumping from the college ranks over to the NFL is a big change, especially since he's coming off a torn ACL.
There's a learning curve that comes with playing the position, but it's obvious Revel has room for growth. On the season, he has a 35.4 overall grade (112th among 112 graded corners) and a 32.2 coverage grade (112th among 112 graded corners) on PFF.
Having an entire offseason of NFL training and coaching could do wonders for Revel's development, but it sounds like it's time to turn the page on his rookie season.