Dallas Cowboys News - MinnesotaSportsFan https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/tag/dallas-cowboys/ Minnesota sports, but different Tue, 22 Apr 2025 20:06:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=32,height=32,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cropped-cropped-MSF-favicon-1.jpg Dallas Cowboys News - MinnesotaSportsFan https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/tag/dallas-cowboys/ 32 32 Vikings Free Agent DB Reportedly Flirting with Another Former Team https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/stephon-gilmore-visiting-cowboys-nfl-free-agency/ Tue, 22 Apr 2025 20:06:40 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=62618 As of now, the Minnesota Vikings are set up relatively well entering the NFL Draft on Thursday night. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah went gangbusters during free agency, spending handsomely with the ample cap space he and his front office afforded themselves this offseason.

If there’s an area where the Vikings should still be looking for a potential Week 1 starters, however, it’s probably at cornerback. With just over 48 hours remaining until the draft, Minnesota currently has Byron Murphy Jr. slotted in at CB1, after he signed an impressive new contract last month.

Behind Murphy Jr on the depth chart sit former Packer/Eagle, Isaiah Rodgers, who the Vikings made a priority early on in free agency. The 27-year-old CB is being paid like a fringe starter, too. Nonetheless, Rodgers only started three games last season in Philly and has never been a lock starter during his four-year NFL career.

Minnesota Vikings still in need of cornerback help

After Rodgers, the Minnesota Vikings have Mekhi Blackmon, who’s still recovering from offseason ACL surgery. Then, we get into depth talent like Jeff Okudah, Ambry Thomas, Dwight McGlothern and Bubba Bolden.

While some believe the purple CB group could hold its own in 2025, as currently constructed, it seems more likely they add another starter-type talent to the cornerback room between now and the end of training camp.

Stephon Gilmore - NFC Wild Card Round - Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Rumors have flown around regarding who that cornerback will be, including some intoxicating speculation connecting the MN Vikings to stud talent, Asante Samuel Jr. Then, there are Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin, two veterans who were staples of Minnesota’s secondary in 2024.

Both currently remain free agents and there has even been chatter that one (or both) could be on the Vikings’ radar for 2025, too. Until they are signed, sealed and delivered to TCO Performance Center, however, free agents are still expected to at least flirt with other teams, should opportunities present themselves.

Stephon Gilmore flirting with Dallas Cowboys

Take Stephon Gilmore, for instance. Yes, the 34-year-old veteran was good in purple last season, but he’s familiar with a lot of different NFL surroundings, seeing as he has played for six different teams through the course of his 13 year professional football career.

His most recent home, prior to joining the Minnesota Vikings, was in Dallas where the five-time Pro Bowler played with the Cowboys for one season, in 2023. He started all 17 games that year, and on Tuesday, he was spotted in Dallas visiting the Cowboys and discussing a possible return to the Big D.

Gilmore will be 35 years old by the end of the 2025 season. While he claimed he was pondering retirment earlier in the offseason, that appears unlikely, at this point. While he isn’t the shutdown CB he once was, Stephon Gilmore would immediately change the complexion of Minnesota’s secondary, if he found his way out of Dallas and back at TCO Performance Center.

Is Stephon Gilmore any good still?

Per Pro Football Focus, Gilmore posted a 62.2 defensive grade last year, way down from the 70-80+ grades he’s earned throughout his illustrious NFL career. His 904 total snaps with the Vikings were on par with the 1,000+ he reported the two previous seasons, had he played all 17 regular season games, instead of just 15. While his overall and coverage grades were down (59.2), Gilmore was solid defending the run (72.6), per usual.

Stephon Gilmore was a very late training camp/preseason addition to Brian Flores’ defense last year. Upon signing, he was immediately slotted in as a regular starter next to Byron Muphy Jr. He snagged just one interception as a Viking, to go along with his nine passes defensed.

For what it’s worth, his lone INT was thrown by Aaron Rodgers during the Minnesota Vikings victory in a London over the New York Jets… Last year with Minnesota Gilmore played on a one-year deal worth $7 million. It’s unlikely he gets that much this time around, but unlike dollar bills, competent corners don’t grow on trees.

MN Vikings could still be in play for Gilmore

If Gilmore leaves the Dallas Cowboys facilities without a deal, he’ll remain in play for the Minnesota Vikings. Even if the Minnesota Vikings land a cornerback early in the NFL Draft, re-upping with a veteran that they are familiar with still makes sense.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Planning a Cornerback Reunion After the Draft…?

Rather than pivoting to an unknown commodity, either Stephon Gilmore or Shaq Griffin could slot it next to, or on the other side of Murphy Jr., with Isaiah Rodgers to round out the top what would then be a well-balanced CB room.

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Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:06:44 +0000 Minnesota Vikings
Cowboys Hosting Another Mike Zimmer Era Vikings Player on Visit https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/minnesota-vikings-news/minnesota-vikings-news-dalvin-cook-dallas-cowboys-visit/ Mon, 26 Aug 2024 23:36:03 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=54266 Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is now back in Dallas, reunited with his defensive coordinator role of the Cowboys. He isn’t the only former Viking who now works for Jerry Jones, though.

Dalvin Cook set to visit Dallas Cowboys

Earlier this offseason, the Cowboys signed Eric Kendricks. You might remember, he went to a pro bowl and made an NFL All-Pro team in Minnesota. Last week, the Vikings traded Andrew Booth Jr to Dallas, too.

Then on Monday, Tom Pelissero (NFL Network) reports that 29-year-old former Viking, Dalvin Cook, is set to visit the Cowboys now. If signed, he’d become the latest Mike Zimmer era player to join their former coach in Dallas.

The Minnesota Vikings picked Dalvin Cook 41st overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. Mike Zimmer and former general manager Rick Spielman were riding high, back then. Cook ran for over 5,000 yards and 43 touchdowns in four seasons, between 2019 and 2022. He also caught 170 passes for 1,399 receiving yards, during that span.

Does the former Minnesota Vikings RB have anything left to give the Cowboys?

That didn’t stop general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah from letting the former Florida State phenom walk in free agency last offseason, where he signed a bloated contract with the New York Jets that ended up being a disaster (67 total carries, 214 yards, 0 TD). He was released on January 2nd, allowing him to be a playoff roster addition for the Baltimore Ravens.

Dalvin Cook finished the 2023 postseason with 67 attempts. He ran for just 244 yards (3.19 YPC) with those opportunities and his carries dwindled as the Ravens playoff run wore on. But there’s no doubt he still looks in shape.

Related: Vikings Place Dalton Risner on IR, Raising More Questions Before Cut Day

And while Zim may not be the head coach in Dallas, he is still in the building. We all know how much Mike liked to ride Dalvin in Minnesota. If the Cowboys sign Cook, we all know what Mike Zimmer’s suggested fix will be, if Mike McCarthy’s offense ever stalls during the upcoming season.

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Mon, 26 Aug 2024 18:36:06 +0000 Minnesota Vikings News Minnesota Vikings
Mike Zimmer and Dallas Cowboys Finally Agree to Terms on DC Contract https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/mike-zimmer-deal-with-dallas-cowboys-not-done-yet-rex-ryan/ Mon, 12 Feb 2024 19:46:54 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=47796 We all thought Minnesota Vikings head coach, Mike Zimmer, had the defensive coordinator job with the Dallas Cowboys wrapped up. Literally every major reporter in the NFL who matters said it was a done deal. Rapoport, Pelissero, Fowler and Adam Schefter all reported Zimmer back to the Cowboys was happening.

Related: Elite 2024 NFL Draft QB Prospect Wants to Play for the Vikings

But that was before contract negotiations apparently went off the rails, in recent days. It was a bit odd that the Cowboys were taking so long to officially announce the Zimmer hire, but former New York Jets and Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan blew the story into a different stratosphere on Sunday night, after the Super Bowl.

Mike Zimmer deal with Dallas Cowboys was momentarily in flux

During the postgame show, while live from ESPN’s on-site sideline set in Las Vegas, Ryan announced to the entire football world that he didn’t believe Zim to Dallas was happening for sure. How would Rex know what’s going on behind the scenes in Jerry World better than the league’s top insider?

Because he was the other finalist to become Cowboys DC, prior to Mike Zimmer being offered the job last week. Clearly, Ryan was told not to give up hope yet. Why?

After his colleague caught him off-guard during that ESPN segment, Schefter did some more digging and found out that Jerry Jones and Zimmer have struggled to work out the details of his new contract, thus the entire thing is in danger of falling apart. Here’s the entire back and forth, as explained today by Schefty on The Pat McAfee Show

Zim, Jerry Jones finally agree to terms on DC contract

From the way he approached his appearance today with McAfee, it seemed like Adam Schefter was still expecting Mike Zimmer to get the Cowboys’ DC job, and he was right. On Monday afternoon, Jerry and his old pal Zim finally agreed to terms, according to Tom Pelissero (NFL Network).

Related: Jefferson Won’t Negotiate Until Vikings Resolve Cousins’ Future

It seems strange to me that the hold up in these conversations would have come down to money. Zimmer has never been a guy who needs a lot of money. I have no knowledge of happened behind the scenes in Dallas and I do not know Mike personally.

But after following him very closely for nearly a decade while head coach of the Vikings, I’d imagine whatever disagreements are happening behind the scenes have more to do with his control over defensive strategy and personnel decisions.

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Mon, 12 Feb 2024 15:10:34 +0000 Minnesota Vikings
Mike Zimmer to be Hired as Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/mike-zimmer-hired-dallas-cowboys-defensive-coordinator/ Fri, 09 Feb 2024 01:58:09 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=47687 Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is being hired by the Dallas Cowboys as their new defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports. The 67-year-old Zimmer will make his return to the Cowboys after spending the first 12 seasons of his NFL career, from 1994-2006, in Dallas.

Mike Zimmer hired as Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator

Reports that Zimmer was interested in the Cowboys DC job first surfaced last week. Days later, it was reported he was meeting with Jerry Jones in Dallas. Nonetheless, Zim had to fend off a late surge from fellow defensive coordinator juggernaut turned former head coach, Rex Ryan, of all people… but Mike arose victorious in the end.

Related: Pat McAfee Show Highlights National Media’s Misinterpretation of Vikings Salary Cap Situation

As Minnesota Vikings head coach, Mike Zimmer carried a 72-56-1 (.562) record, the 3rd best among head coaches in franchise history who have coached 50 games or more. Current head coach Kevin O’Connell is 20-14 (.588) after two seasons as Vikings head coach.

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Thu, 08 Feb 2024 19:58:14 +0000 Minnesota Vikings
Former Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer Interviewing for Cowboys DC Job Today https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/mike-zimmer-interviewing-cowboys-defensive-coordinator/ Tue, 06 Feb 2024 14:31:24 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=47463 Mike Zimmer was head coach of the Minnesota Vikings from 2014 to 2021, where he went 72-56, the 3rd best winning percentage of any head coach who has steered the Vikings’ ship for 50 games or more, throughout the franchise’ 60+ year history.

Mike Zimmer interviewing for Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator job on Tuesday

Last week, it was reported that Mike Zimmer was interested in the open Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator position. A few days later, over the weekend, Adam Schefter (ESPN) reported that Zim got the invite to go sit down with Jerry Jones and interview to be the Cowboys next DC (again).

Related: Vikings Named as Potential Suitor for Derrick Henry by PFF Analyst & Former Team Intern

Then on Tuesday morning, ‘one of us’ Tom Pelissero (NFL Network) advanced the Zimmer to Dallas story, reporting that Mike will officially have his interview for the ‘Boys defensive coordinator job on Tuesday.

Before his time in Minnesota… and Cincinnati… and even before his one year in Atlanta, Zimmer was raised in the Dallas Cowboys organization. From 1994 to 2006, he climbed the ranks from special assistant –> to defensive backs coach –> to defensive coordinator (’00-’06).

It would be nice to see Mike Zimmer back on an NFL sideline doing what he loves. He didn’t have the prettiest exit out of Minnesota, but history will see Zim as one of the greatest coaches in Vikings history, a stabilizing force for a franchise that needed it when he arrived. I have no doubt he’d fix the problems that ail a very talented Dallas Cowboys defense that includes Trevon Diggs and Micah Parsons, among others.

Related: Mike Zimmer Almost Ended Kirk Cousins After Infamous Sideline Shove

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Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:31:28 +0000 Minnesota Vikings
Mike Zimmer Wants Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Job https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/mike-zimmer-interested-dallas-cowboys-defensive-coordinator-job/ Fri, 02 Feb 2024 03:55:44 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=47383 Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer wants back into the National Football League as a defensive coordinator. According to Dallas Morning News reporter and Pro Football Writers of America President, Calvin Watkins, Zim is eyeing the same organization that once made him one of the most bright and upcoming defensive minds in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys.

Mike Zimmer back to Dallas Cowboys?

Zimmer coached in Dallas from 1994 to 2006, where he climbed the ranks from Nickel defensive backs special assistant (’94), to defensive backs coach (’95-’99) and eventually defensive coordinator (’00-’06), before stopping in Atlanta for a year and then Cincinnati where he remained for sox seasons before being hired as head coach of the Vikings for the 2014 season.

Mike Zimmer coached in Minnesota until 2021, when he and president of football operations, Rick Spielman, were both fired. There were a lot of rumors swirling and parting shots sent Zim’s way, after he was removed. Spielman got his shots in, players got there’s, it seemingly went on for months.

Related: Contract Extension Possible for Kevin O’Connell; What About Kwesi Adofo-Mensah?

But at the end of the day, Zimmer is one of the great defensive minds of his generation and ran one of the best operations on that side of the ball for most of his 8-year tenure as Vikings head coach.

He went 72-51 (.562) while in Minnesota, the 3rd-best winning percentage of any coach in franchise history with over 50 games coached, behind only Bud Grant and Dennis Green.

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Thu, 01 Feb 2024 21:55:49 +0000 Minnesota Vikings
NFL Countdown Doing Feature on Randy Moss Cooking Cowboys for Thanksgiving ’98 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/nfl-countdown-feature-randy-moss-cowboys-thanksgiving-1998/ Sun, 19 Nov 2023 03:42:41 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=45084 The 2023 Minnesota Vikings are on a magical run that includes 5-straight wins and a backup quarterback story that has taken the league by storm. But outside of riding this wave all the way to the Super Bowl, nothing will match the magic of rookie Randy Moss and the 1998 season.

For most of us, that football season literally changed everything about the way we follow, cheer for and consume the teams we love, especially the Vikings. And in the morning, during ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown, the crew is doing a big 25-year anniversary feature on one of the more iconic moments of that season.

That time Randy Moss Torched the Cowboys on Thanksgiving

Halfway through that iconic Minnesota Vikings season, Denny Green & Co rolled into Dallas for a Thanksgiving bout against the Cowboys, and Moss was still upset they didn’t draft him back in April. 3 receptions, 3 touchdowns and 163 yards later, Moss went from a cool 1st half storyline to a Thanksgiving Day legend.

Related: Anthony Barr Elevated to Vikings Active Roster; Justin Jefferson Out

ESPN social media accounts floated out a 30-second teaser that has me setting my DVR and alarm for 9:00 a.m. central time Sunday morning.

Minnesota Vikings magic peaked in 1998

“Kids these days” are probably sick of hearing about that season, but there is a reason why their parents and grandparents have never recovered from what that year in Vikings history really did to us, both positively and negatively.

Yeah, those who fell hard for the Brett Favre-led Vikings of 2009 got a pretty good glimpse of what 1998 was like. But damn, even that season is nearly 15 years ago. I’m going to get my new balances and fleece zip up ready for McDonalds coffee with all my homies tomorrow morning.

Feature Photo: Photo: Brian Peterson – Star Tribune (@VintageMinn – Twitter)

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Sat, 18 Nov 2023 21:42:45 +0000 Minnesota Vikings
Vikings vs Cowboys Week 11 Preview and Odds https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/vikings-vs-cowboys-week-11-preview-and-odds/ Thu, 10 Nov 2022 08:24:00 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=41047 The 2022/23 NFL season is well under way and football fans across Minnesota are loving their Vikings’ 7-1 record. The new season has already thrown up some great results for the Vikings, such as the 34-26 home win in late October against the Cardinals and their 23-7 opening day win against the Packers.

In week 11, the Dallas Cowboys come to Minnesota to face the Norsemen on home soil. Of course, the Vikings will be eager to carry on their superb overall form this season, which sees them riding high in NFC North. But what might this game bring and what can we expect from it?

Vikings vs Cowboys – who might win?

When looking at a preview of this exciting game in Week 11, most people will be keen to know who is likely to win. This is especially important if you plan to bet on the game and want to back one side to come out on top. A good place to start is with the online bookmakers, who have the Cowboys at moneyline odds of around -110 and the Vikings at moneyline odds of -100. As you can see, this means it is predicted to be a tightly contested affair!

For this reason, some football bettors may look at other markets that can be easier to call. The NFL touchdown scorer standings is a great resource to start with and can help you work out the best bets to make for a player to score the first touchdown or an anytime touchdown. With Vikings players like Adam Thielen currently riding high in these standings, one of these could be a good bet to make.

Vikings will be feeling confident of victory

If we take a look at a preview of this game from the eyes of the Vikings, you have to assume they will feel confident in their chances. After all, they have home advantage at U.S. Bank Stadium and are always tough to beat there. In fact, they’re yet to lose at home, which shows what a challenge the Cowboys have ahead of them.

You also have to look at how improved the Vikings have been so far this year and how well each side of the ball have been playing. Marquee signing Za’Darius Smith, for instance, seems to have settled in well and is showing again what an elite level pass rusher he is. This could see him emerge as a key player for Minnesota in this match, in terms of stopping the Dallas offense firing.

When it comes to the most important players in Minnesota’s squad, you should consider how well their receivers are doing. We have already mentioned Thielen, but Justin Jefferson has also been scoring regularly. Running backs Alexander Mattison and Dalvin Cook have also been awesome to date. This means Minnesota’s running game could cause problems for a Cowboys side that struggled against this in their loss to the Eagles in Week 6.

Could the Cowboys come out on top?

Kirk Cousins gets cooler with every Vikings victory and there is every reason to think he will be smiling again after this game. You’ll have to agree, though, that this is not a foregone conclusion.

Dallas actually have a pretty decent record on the road against the Vikings and will be looking for a third straight victory at the U.S Bank Stadium. In addition, the side from Dallas are also in pretty good form overall in 2022/23. This has left them sitting pretty in NFC East and looking like the side most likely to challenge the dominant Eagles for top spot in this division. With the Giants and Commanders closing in on them, though, they will be super motivated to snatch a win against the Vikings.

For this game, the big news is that Dallas expects to have star quarterback Dak Prescott available, following his recovery from a thumb injury picked up in Week 1. This will give them a real boost and mean that the Vikings defense will have an elite-level quarterback to worry about.

On the defensive side, the Cowboys have been pretty good this year and have shown how tough it is to get past them. Players like Micah Parsons have been in great form overall and will be looking to stop Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Vikings vs Cowboys Week 11 – a close game to call

It would be awesome to be able to say that the Vikings will easily win this game and walk off with the points. The simple truth, though, is that this is a very tight game to call between two teams that have enjoyed a very good 2022/23 overall so far. Much will come down to how each side’s best players perform on the night and who makes the best of their opportunities.

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Fri, 11 Nov 2022 10:30:03 +0000 Minnesota Vikings
Vikings and Fanbase Deserve Better Than Mike Zimmer and OC Nepotism https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/vikings-and-fanbase-deserve-better-than-mike-zimmer-and-oc-nepotism/ Mon, 01 Nov 2021 04:41:48 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=36934 Yes, that just happened. The Dallas Cowboys, with a backup QB nobody knew existed 72 hours ago, just walked into a frenzied US Bank Stadium and defeated the Minnesota Vikings 20-16 on Sunday Night Football. Hopefully, you were smart enough to bet the under.

You’ve heard of teams “beating themselves” before. But tonight, the Vikings were beaten by their own coaching staff. Most notably, their head coach Mike Zimmer and offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak. But let’s be honest, Zimmer is running the defense and controlling the offense.

He may not be calling the plays on that side of the ball but he dictates the type of game they play, which is one of extreme caution. Zimmer isn’t about to trust a rookie OC to take full control of the offense and it shows. On the field, Kubiak continues to get outcoached by defensive coordinators, especially as games progress. It’s like they’re playing chess while Klint plays checkers. Last night, the Dallas defense looked like they were in the Vikings huddle.

Minnesota’s uber-talented roster and too loyal for their own good fanbase deserves better. So does the Wilf family.

Mike Zimmer still doesn’t know how to head coach

Mike Zimmer has done some egregious things during his tenure as the Minnesota Vikings head coach. Hell, I wrote about his stupidity just a couple weeks ago. His end of half management has become a running joke amongst the fanbase. But he took his game management incompetence to another level on Sunday night.

It started in the first half, when Zimmer decided not to use his final timeout with 25 seconds remaining after a Kirk Cousins scramble couldn’t get out of bounds. Rookie wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette didn’t know where to line up and the clock kept running. By the time Cousins finally snapped the ball and threw an incompletion, the game clock was down to 00:01 left in the half. Zim’s final timeout still in his pocket.

Would the head coach ever forget to call a timeout if his defense needed one? Funny you ask because he provided an answer at the end of the 2nd half.

It gets worse

With under two minutes left to play, the Vikings leading 16-13 and Dallas threatening to score, Zimmer’s lack of game management skills reared its ugly head again. This time, the incompetence hit all-time peak levels. Mike was determined to keep the Cowboy offense out of the endzone because he was hoping to force them into a game-tying field goal with OT as the worst-possible outcome.

Good idea. Except that Zim was so concerned about Cooper Rush scoring a TD on that final drive, he called all three of his timeouts in a two-play stretch. He called so many TO’s that the refs flagged him for delay of game. Turns out it’s illegal to call two-straight without a play being run in-between.

That delay of game call turned 3rd and 16 into 3rd and 11 for Dallas. They’d pick up the first down thanks to poor tackling by Anthony Barr, forcing Zimmer to call his final timeout. The next play was a touchdown from Rush to Cooper, which left Kirk Cousins 51 seconds and ZERO timeouts to drive the offense down the field and score a TD… or lose.

They’d lose, falling to 3-4 and all but handing the NFC North to the 7-1 Packers. This was supposed to be the first game of a grueling 4-game stretch. It’s unlikely they’ll face backups, going forward though. And good luck against Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson and Aaron Rodgers if you can’t beat Cooper Rush at home.

Not with Mike Zimmer managing games and Klint Kubiak calling plays

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

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Mon, 01 Nov 2021 10:24:41 +0000 Minnesota Vikings
Trevon Diggs is More Overhyped Than the Team He Plays For https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/trevon-diggs-is-more-overhyped-than-the-team-he-plays-for/ Sat, 30 Oct 2021 01:32:41 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=36900 On Sunday Night Football this week, the (3-3) Minnesota Vikings will host the (5-1) Dallas Cowboys in primetime. The lights shine brighter, even on SNF, when you play “America’s Team”. The media can’t help but talk about them no matter the day of the week.

And with overhyped teams come overhyped players. This season, the Cowboys’ offense appears to be everything it’s cracked up to be. Should Dak Prescott play, Mike Zimmer and his rejuvenated defense will have all they can handle trying to stop one of the best rush/pass combos in football.

But the same thing cannot be said about the Cowboy defense… or their overhyped 2nd-year cornerback, Trevon Diggs.

Dallas ranks 20th in points allowed and 23rd in yards allowed this season That’s not very good. Now their rush defense looks good on paper, ranking 2nd in touchdowns allowed (5) and 9th in yards allowed (517). But that’s what happens when, thanks to your offense, opponents are always coming from behind and can’t afford to run the ball against you.

Hype-Meter Overload

But the most overhyped piece of Dallas’ defense is 2nd-year cornerback, Trevon Diggs, who currently leads the NFL with 7 interceptions in just 6 games. Those INT’s have also led to ridiculous press conference questions like the one you see above, comparing Diggs to the greatest defensive back of all time, Deion Sanders.

A deeper dive into the numbers, however, tells us that Trevon Diggs isn’t worth the hype he’s receiving. While interceptions will make up for a lot of deficiencies, not to mention what they do for your value as a cornerback, they’re not necessarily the best indicator of your coverage skills.

Diggs, for example, owns a Defensive Player of the Month award (September), thanks to his league-leading 7 interceptions, 11 passes defended and 2 non-offensive touchdowns. But he’s also tied for 8th-most targets in the NFL and has given up 19 yards per reception he’s allowed.

PFF isn’t a big fan, either.

Even Trevon’s relatively solid 71.9 coverage grade isn’t what it seems. Diggs has faced quarterbacks Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones and (rookie) Mac Jones in his last three outings.

In those matchups, he failed to post a PFF coverage grade higher than 60. He scored a 41.8 vs the Panthers, 59.0 vs the Giants and a 47.6 against the Patriots. Remember, those coverage grades all include interceptions. What was he doing when he wasn’t picking off the QB and what is Kirk Cousins going to do against Little Diggs if those lesser QB’s picked him apart?

Oh, and did you peep that 29.9 grade against the run? Yikes. It’ll be interesting to see how often Kubiak runs swing passes, screens or outside zones at Diggs, who has struggled with consistent tackling for both of his seasons in the league.

Trevon Diggs may very well end up being the second-greatest cornerback to ever wear a Dallas Cowboys uniform but he isn’t that guy yet. Not even close. Right now, he’s just a young cornerback who likes to make the SportsCenter highlight reel and whose aggressiveness can be taken advantage of.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

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Fri, 29 Oct 2021 20:32:45 +0000 Minnesota Vikings