We may have the two best CBs in the NFC

[VaqueroTD]

A lot of things to be pessimistic about but assuming Trevon Diggs can come back from the ACL injury, when is the last time we could make the claim that our team may have the two best cornerbacks in the NFC? 29 interceptions in 3 seasons between the two. And that’s with Diggs missing most of last season and Bland not playing yet in 2021. How insane is that?

If the team can finally stop the run this year and they still have as much pass rush pressure under Zimm as DQ, these two when healthy will threaten the record of 20 interceptions by Everson Walls and Dennis Thurman 40 years ago.

 

[Tangle_Foot]

Nice tape. I love a cornerback with ball skills that's not afraid to get dirty in the run game. Looking forward to seeing both he and Diggs working together in the secondary. If we can be stout in the run game our secondary will feast.

 

[kskboys]

Too early to anoint.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Bland is absolutely awesome. My favorite player on the team. He plays hard, he covers, he obviously catches the ball when he gets a chance, and he tackles. Plus he seems to be a nice, humble guy with a great story attitude and story.

It's always astounding to me when people want to move him inside or whatever. I suspect some can't get over that he was a 5th round pick, which is just silly.

 

[thunderpimp91]

I don't want to take away from how good this CB duo can be, but I would not get my hopes up for 20+ Ints with Zimmer calling the plays. Maybe he surprises me and adapts his system to fit these guys strengths, but he tends to prioritize playing the run first, often gets pressure in via the blitz, and leaves his CBs in press/man coverage often. That's not a bad thing by any means, but it typically doesn't lead to as many INTs.

I think we need to start preparing ourselves to evaluate these guys (and the D as a whole) at several positions differently than we did under DQ, or else we are going to be disappointed by the results. Fewer INTs, they'll probably give up a lot of shorter passes underneath and protect against the big play with more aggressive CB play on 3rd down and as teams get closer to the end zone.

 

[Hardline]

I don't see Bland having the same kind of season that he did last year.

 

[charron]

I don't expect guys coming off leg injury to automatically get back to playing at pre-injury levels. Way too early to see just how much he trusts his leg in a real situation.

 

[Coogiguy03]

I think this season we may see less INT's and better coverage, in terms of guys being disciplined. As good as they are, they give up yards as CORNERS DO!!!! I love however how they've become under the coaching of a guy like Al Harris

 

[Coogiguy03]

I don't expect guys coming off leg injury to automatically get back to playing at pre-injury levels. Way too early to see just how much he trusts his leg in a real situation.

Expect the old diggs to be back in 2025

 

[pitt33]

Bland gave up some huge plays as well as some blanket coverage.

A very nice 5th round pick for this team.

 

[DuncanIso]

I don't expect guys coming off leg injury to automatically get back to playing at pre-injury levels. Way too early to see just how much he trusts his leg in a real situation.

They always lose some speed.

 

[HungryLion]

Zimmer is going to kill their Int numbers. He will have them playing the “let the WR catch it and then make the tackle” garbage.

 

[nate dizzle]

I don't want to take away from how good this CB duo can be, but I would not get my hopes up for 20+ Ints with Zimmer calling the plays. Maybe he surprises me and adapts his system to fit these guys strengths, but he tends to prioritize playing the run first, often gets pressure in via the blitz, and leaves his CBs in press/man coverage often. That's not a bad thing by any means, but it typically doesn't lead to as many INTs.

I think we need to start preparing ourselves to evaluate these guys (and the D as a whole) at several positions differently than we did under DQ, or else we are going to be disappointed by the results. Fewer INTs, they'll probably give up a lot of shorter passes underneath and protect against the big play with more aggressive CB play on 3rd down and as teams get closer to the end zone.

His defenses when he was here before were bottom of the league for turnovers. Not sure if that followed him to Min or not.

 

[gtb1943]

the very best coaches adapt their systems to the talent they have. Sadly I do not think zimmer does this.

 

[big dog cowboy]

#3 and #4 aren't slouches either in Jourdan Lewis and I love what Caelen Carson brings. The coaches like Eric Scott too.

 

[quickccc]

Too early to anoint.

what other NFC team has better CBs tandem ? just wondering.

 

[quickccc]

ACL recovery aside .. likely be Diggs & Bland.

May take a full year for Diggs to return to previous form .. don't be surprise if he struggles most of the year.

Bland under perform vs Seattle Metcalf, who was toasting Deron,..before Quinn adjusted and placed vet Gilmore vs Metcalf
to help stop the bleeding.. not unsigned & still a FA, we don't have the Gilmore luxury for either Diggs or Bland.

 

[KJJ]

We l’ll have to see how long it takes Diggs to return to form if he ever does. Not all players return to form after an ACL. As for Bland, he still has some room for improvement. Right after he set the record for pick-sixes he got roasted. He takes a lot of chances and there’s parts of his game that need some refinement.

 

[Typhus]

A lot of things to be pessimistic about but assuming Trevon Diggs can come back from the ACL injury, when is the last time we could make the claim that our team may have the two best cornerbacks in the NFC? 29 interceptions in 3 seasons between the two. And that’s with Diggs missing most of last season and Bland not playing yet in 2021. How insane is that?

If the team can finally stop the run this year and they still have as much pass rush pressure under Zimm as DQ, these two when healthy will threaten the record of 20 interceptions by Everson Walls and Dennis Thurman 40 years ago.

I would say that Q left us with a heavily built secondary, and increased LB play could possibly complete what Q at least envisioned for the back seven.

 

[Cowboys5217]

They are both play makers, and better than any CBs we've had since Prime Time. Better by a long shot.

INB4 useless statistics meant to prop up non-play makers who couldn't make a pick to save their lives, let alone pick sixes.

The ability to make plays is the most important quality in a skill position player.