We are all disappointed by the sad news that Diggs is lost for the season, particularly since this season’s defense was playing at an historic level, not just for the Cowboys but the entire NFL.
However, he is not going to be replaced by some undrafted rookie free agent. When the shuffling is completed, the next starter will be the former starter at the particular position he will be playing. Jourdan Lewis is a 7 year veteran. In his last starting season, Jourdan had 3 INT’s, a forced fumble, two recovered fumbles, 1.5 sacks, 47 solo tackles, 3 QB hits, and a tackle for a loss.
There have been far more devastating injuries in Cowboys history.
The 2015 season was certainly disappointing with Tony Romo going down. He was the NFL leader in passer rating the previous season and everyone was excited about the team building on their successful 2014 season.
One of the more devastating injuries in Cowboys history occurred in 1986 when Danny White went down. This was the season that Herschel Walker joined the Cowboys. They had a 1-2 punch of Walker and Dorsett in the backfield. Halfway through the season, they were 6-2 and primed for their 21st consecutive winning season. They looked strong.
When White was replaced by Steve Pelluer, everything went downfield. They went 1-7 in the 2nd half and Tom Landry and the Cowboys had their first losing season since 1965. They never recovered, going 7-8 in 1987 and then 3-13 in 1988 which ultimately led to Landry’s dismissal.
The Cowboys won their first Super Bowl in 1971 with Roger Staubach at quarterback. He was the leading passer in the NFL that season as well as SB MVP. The following year, Roger Staubach was lost for the entire regular season when he was injured during a preseason game. The Cowboys still made it to the playoffs but lost in the NFC championship game. Losing Staubach that season was probably the single most traumatic event in my years as a Cowboys fan.
In the first round of the 1984 draft the Cowboys selected LB Billy Cannon Jr., the son of legendary college player and Heisman trophy winner Billy Cannon. Cannon Jr. broke his neck in the 4th game of his rookie season. It didn’t just end his season. It ended his career.
In 1986 the Cowboys drafted WR Mike Sherrard in eh first round. He had a great rookie season and we were all excited to see him build on it during his 2nd season. However, he broke his leg in the preseason. The following year he was jogging on a beach just before the start of the preseason and he broke his leg again.
These are tragic events but they are part of football, a sometimes violent game. Diggs will be back and I’m sure we all look forward to his return next season. In the meantime, this is nowhere near the end of the season and we are fortunate that the Cowboys defensive backfield is one of the deepest units in all of football.
Participating in sports teaches us many things like teamwork, sacrifice, perseverance, and commitment. All the teams will experience adversity at some point in the season and it’s the great ones that succeed in overcoming their adversity to reach their goal.
I have no doubt that this Cowboys team has the character, leadership, and unity to overcome and continue an historic and successful season. Go Cowboys!
