This is the final weekend before the NFL season starts to roll around, and we can leave the non-football portion of our summer behind us. We can all look forward to seeing the Cowboys take the field for 2024 after yet another disappointing playoff exit.
This time, it was an embarrassing 48-32 beat down at the hands of the Green Bay Packers that was never as close as the final score indicates. The past is the past, and our focus moves to the Cowboys’ 2024 schedule as I continue my series today ranking each position/position group on their schedule.
Previously, we have covered quarterbacks, running backs/rushing attack, wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive lines. Today, we shift our focus to the defensive side of the ball, starting with the best cornerback groups on the Cowboys 2024 schedule.
If the Cowboys played themselves, the trio of Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, and Jourdan Lewis would likely rank number one on the list.
That’s not a knock on the cornerbacks Dallas will be facing in 2024. Their own trio is just that good. Cornerback has become a premium position in the NFL, so the talent level is top-heavy for many teams. Selecting the top three units was difficult.
Without further ado, let’s see which cornerback rooms will challenge the Cowboys’ offense the most in 2024.
3. Houston Texans — Derek Stingley Jr., Jeff Okudah, Kamari Lassiter
The Houston Texans will visit AT&T Stadium in late November for a Monday Night Football Texas showdown that will pin brothers Trevon and Stefon Diggs against each other for the first time in their careers.
An ACL injury to Trevon Diggs in week 3 of last season spoiled the first potential matchup between the brothers in Buffalo in late December. As tasty as that sibling rivalry will be, I’m more concerned about the opposite side of the ball.
Houston Texans HC DeMeco Ryans changed the identity of the defense in just one season, revamping the unit into one of the most feared groups in the league.
Derek Stingley Jr. is entering his third season in the NFL. His first season under Ryans’ tutelage proved to be a mini-breakout season. Stingley snatched five interceptions to catapult himself onto ESPN’s Top-10 Cornerback list.
Stingley would likely shadow Cowboys’ star WR CeeDee Lamb in the matchup, leaving his counterparts, Jeff Okudah and rookie Kamari Lassiter to deal with Brandin Cooks and whoever emerges as the Cowboys’ third wide receiver.
2. San Francisco 49ers — Charvarius Ward, Ambry Thomas, Deommodore Lenoir
I don’t have to say much about this cornerback group that you don’t already know. A version of this group has already stifled the Cowboys’ offense for three consecutive matchups between the two teams.
Dak Prescott’s numbers in those three games tell you everything you need to know.
In three consecutive losses to San Francisco, including two playoff games, he averaged just 204 yards passing with a 58% completion rate with three touchdowns and six interceptions.
The 49ers’ unit is led by Charvarius Ward, who interestingly enough, was given his first opportunity in the NFL by the Dallas Cowboys.
During training camp that year, he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for offensive lineman Parker Ehlinger. It’s a move that, in hindsight, I’m sure the Cowboys would like to take back.
Ehlinger didn’t make the team, and Ward has gone on to become one of the more productive cornerbacks in the NFL.
His counterparts Ambry Thomas and Deommodore Lenoir are no slouches themselves, combining for five interceptions in 2023 and smothering opposing wide receivers in the process.
1. Philadelphia Eagles — Darius Slay Jr., Quinyon Mitchell, Avonte Maddox, James Bradberry
I hate to have the Philadelphia Eagles ranked number one in anything unless it’s a list of the most-hated Cowboys rivals, but I have no choice but to put them in the top spot here.
Philadelphia brought back veteran Darius Slay Jr. to lead a group of young cornerbacks itching to prove they can slow the Cowboys’ offensive attack. First-round pick Quinyon Mitchell was regarded by many as the top cornerback in the 2024 draft class, yet somehow fell into the Eagles’ lap at pick 22.
Though he is predicted to be a salary cap casualty, veteran James Bradberry IV still possesses the talent to make some noise as a primary defender. His experience is invaluable to the position room to help groom Mitchell and nickel corner Avonte Maddox.
Maddox has struggled to stay healthy, and that has been the main reason the Eagles have not been able to match up against the Cowboys’ potent offensive attack.
If this group can stay healthy, they will be the biggest challenge the Cowboys’ wide receivers will face in 2024.
Honorable Mention
- Cleveland Browns — Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson Jr., Greg Newsome II
- Atlanta Falcons — A.J. Terrell, Clark Phillips III, Mike Hughes
- New Orleans Saints — Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor