Cowboys’ Trevon Diggs gets brutally honest about defense after loss

dallas cowboys trevon diggs after nfl game

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Matthew Couden

By Matthew Couden

Contributing Writer

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The Dallas Cowboys had a chance to add an essential victory on Sunday when they visited the Carolina Panthers. Dallas got off to a strong start, scoring frequently, but the Carolina Panthers also found the end zone, ultimately winning 30-27.

While quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 261 yards and three touchdowns without being sacked or intercepted, it didn’t matter, as the defense couldn’t stop Rico Dowdle. The Panthers' running back ended up with 236 combined yards and a touchdown, with most of his yards coming through rushing.

While the Cowboys' defense came up with an interception and sacked quarterback Bryce Young, they didn't do enough to hold off the home team. They were able to march down the field when necessary and seize a victory with a last-second field goal.

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The latest subpar defensive effort prompted cornerback Trevon Diggs to call out his squad's performance after another disappointing loss.

"Yeah, it's very frustrating," he said, per The Dallas Morning News, adding, "It's all these points (given up), the receivers are running wide open down the field, too many busted coverages. It's a lot. I feel like we’re all over the place and we really don’t have no identity.

dallas cowboys trevon diggs after nfl game

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Thus far, the team has achieved a 2-3-1 record. The most concerning aspect of the team's losing record is allowing 30 or more points in five consecutive games. Sunday's game also featured the Cowboys giving up 144 rushing yards to a team for the fourth time in their six games this season.

Some may place blame on the team's defensive coordinator, Matt Eberflus. According to ESPN, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer defended him, suggesting that it wasn't his fault.

"I mean, Matt's a great coach. He's been around. Everywhere he's ever been, he's had good defenses. It's not just Matt by himself. You know, Matt's trying. Players are trying. It's not a lack of effort. This is not that," he told reporters.

The team held its own in games against the Eagles and Packers, two teams that are among the contenders in the NFC. However, the defensive issues have been more than exposed for opponents to exploit.

Defensive tackle Kenny Clark explained the team's issues after their loss to the Panthers, saying it was "a little bit of everything."

"Communication. Missed tackles. Got to play more physical. Got to set edges. Got to knock the line of scrimmage back. It's a little bit of everything," Clark said.

Their next several games won’t get any easier, as they’ll face the Washington Commanders, Denver Broncos, and Arizona Cardinals. Two of those matchups are on the road. If the defense can’t focus on containing its opponents, it could be time for some significant changes.