The Dallas Cowboys are getting prepared to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round next Monday.
One thing the Cowboys should be focused on is finding a second cornerback opposite Trevon Diggs.
After losing Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis to season-ending injuries, they have struggled to get production from their backups.
Kelvin Joseph was given the first opportunity at the job, but he has since been benched.
Another player the Cowboys gave an opportunity to is Nahshon Wright.
He has suffered plenty of growing pains as well in his first season seeing substantial playing time.
Dallas knew they needed help at cornerback so they signed multiple free agents.
Mackensie Alexander, Trayvon Mullen, and Xavier Rhodes will be allowed to show they are starter worthy.
The Trayvon Mullen experiment at outside cornerback opposite Trevon Diggs may be contained to the regular season. He allows a 52-yard deep catch to Terry McLaurin. Had pass interference earlier. Another Cowboys problem area entering playoffs.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 8, 2023
Rhodes is the only one that has yet to play in a game this season for the Cowboys, as they just signed him this past week.
He has the most starting experience of any cornerback on the team, but he has a 51.1 PFF grade on the season.
The one man who will certainly see the field more is DaRon Bland.
He can play in the slot or outside and should be playing the whole game.
DaRon Bland took it away from him for the INT!
📺: #PHIvsDAL on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/Gd75wOq015 pic.twitter.com/UK3UFzb4bW— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2022
Bland was a fifth-round pick in this past NFL draft and it looks like the Cowboys got a good one.
He leads their team in interceptions with five, while also remaining solid in coverage.
Facing the Buccaneers, the Cowboys’ secondary will have their hands full with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
It will be crucial for Dallas to slow down Tom Brady and the Bucs’ passing game on Monday.
If they can do that, the Cowboys should be able to have success in that game.
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