Total Pro Sports
The Dallas Cowboys got a much-needed win on Christmas Day, beating the Washington Commanders 30-23 at home. The win ended a three-game losing streak but also brought new controversy around Trevon Diggs.
Diggs returned from injury and made an impact, finishing with one solo tackle. That play could come with a cost. Officials flagged him for a horse-collar tackle in the second quarter, which shifted momentum and raised the possibility of the league getting involved.
Dallas was already out of the playoff battle, but the team still gave its best. Dak Prescott led the way, completing 19 of 37 passes for 307 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. The win moved the Cowboys to 7-8-1 as they now look ahead to their Week 18 matchup against the New York Giants.
The play happened with 6:14 left in the second quarter. Diggs tried to bring down rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt on a short run. Croskey-Merritt picked up two yards on the play. Officials ruled that Diggs used a horse collar tackle.
Referees threw the flag immediately. The call gave Washington a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down. The Commanders finished the drive with a 10-yard touchdown run by Croskey-Merritt. The score made it 21-10 after the extra point.
Diggs now may be making up his mind for the punishment. The league rulebook explains the rule clearly. Section 2, Article 16 states, “no player shall grab the inside collar of the back or the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, or grab the jersey at the name plate or above, and pull the runner toward the ground.”
A horse collar tackle results in a 15-yard penalty during the game. The NFL can also issue a fine afterward. A first offense can lead to a $17,389 fine, while a second offense can cost $23,186.
Diggs has never been fined for a horse collar tackle in his career. Earlier this season, the league fined him $12,172 for a tripping incident.
Diggs and the Cowboys now wait for the NFL’s decision. The league will release its verdict in its weekly game day accountability report.
