The bye week arrived. This time it is more than necessary because it will be a season of 17 games. However, unfortunately for Dallas it comes very early on the schedule. In turn, up at a time when the team is showing an enormous level. Beyond those considerations, it is usually an interesting time to evaluate what has been done in the season.
For that reason I will select someone for each of the categories. I’m going to cheat a little around the MVP though. Just as the NFL chooses the offensive rookie of the year and another defender, here I will mention an MVP on each side of the ball. The surprises could be several. The good news is that there are not many options for the disappointment category.
Offensive MVP: Dak Prescott
There wasn’t much to think about here. The offensive line is doing great. Running backs are an essential part of the Cowboys attack. But everything that happens in American football revolves around the quarterback. The difference between having a Top 10 in the league in that position or not having someone trustworthy is abysmal.
At the Organized Team Activities in May, those who were able to witness Prescott’s first training sessions talked about how well he was doing. Although training camp generated some fear due to the inconvenience he had on his throwing shoulder. However, doubts were quickly cleared in week 1.
Walkoff. pic.twitter.com/eszVNr3EqN
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) October 18, 2021
Dak proved he was back in the duel with the Buccaneers. That Thursday night he made 72.4% of his passes over the high sum of 58 attempts. He surpassed 400 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception. Although it was dropped with a field goal at the last moment, the image was very hopeful.
Triumphs is the only thing that would come later. The offense became primarily on the ground, so their cold numbers dropped a bit. Most importantly, its efficiency remained at an incredible level. Dak ranks second with 73.2% in completions, third in scoring with 16 and with his last game he is now fifth in yards with 1813.
MVP defensivo: Trevon Diggs
A main option was to put him in the next category if he had gotten a pick or two by now. But what the cornerback has done so far is extraordinary. The total of seven interceptions in six games is in itself absurd. In turn, he achieved at least one each week and returned two of them to the diagonals.
Being breaking historical streaks marks what his performance is. The victory over the Patriots could have been thanks to his pick six at a key moment. What Diggs is generating is fantastic. Everyone knows that if they throw in his direction, he can keep the ball and still make one impact play after another.
One factor that could keep his streak going is that he always follows the best opposing wide receiver. Therefore, he will receive opportunities even if they are more sporadic because it is difficult for a QB to stop looking for his preferred target. In my opinion, Diggs is the defender of the year.
Week 6: The streak is alive!@TrevonDiggs pic.twitter.com/AzoU8oRs3b
— NFL (@NFL) October 18, 2021
The surprise: Terence Steele
Valuable alternatives could have been Dalton Schultz, Tony Pollard, or Randy Gregory. All three had a great level, but last year they had already shown what they could do. Newcomer safeties certainly deserve to be named. In particular, the person who would fill this slot if not Steele is undoubtedly Jayron Kearse. A mention of right tackle is worth making in this case for several reasons.
As a fundamental issue is the detail that it was not going to start this season without any inconvenience. Though plans were quickly changed when La’el Collins received a five-game suspension following the loss at Tampa Bay. The essential reason his assignment was surprising is the contrast it made with his performance as a rookie in an environment of chaos.
Steele had to start 14 games despite being an undrafted free agent. It was logical that he had problems. Much more if the staff put him in unfavorable situations like being without help in front of Myles Garrett. The most important thing is the remarkable improvement he had. For an offensive lineman, not being named on a television broadcast is proof that he is fulfilling his role. That is a recognition that RT deserves.
Joey Bosa stat line: 0 sacks, 0 TFLs, 0 QB hits. Well done, Terence Steele.
— Mike Baines (@cowboysweekly) September 20, 2021
The Disappointment: Connor Williams
In the trenches there is also the weakest performance. Anthony Brown had started very badly, although the cornerback raised his production in recent weeks and avoided being chosen here. Jaylon Smith showed very little before being released, but expectations were low to be considered a disappointment. An extra candidate could have been Greg Zuerlein.
Before looking at the statistics, I had in mind that Williams had committed several penalties. Beyond what the victory could have cost Dallas in New England, it gave me the feeling that he was the protagonist of numerous infractions. The truth is that the statistics support that idea quite clearly.
The left guard is the most penalized player in the league. According to the Pro Football Reference figures, Williams ranks first with nine. In total there were eight for holding companies and one for unsportsmanlike conduct. The 75 yards that were accepted are surpassed only by two defensive backs because pass interference is very costly in that area.
