The Dallas Cowboys have one of the top young cornerbacks in the NFL in Trevon Diggs. In seven games this season, he leads the NFL in both interceptions (7) and passes defended (11). However, his counterpart on the other side, Anthony Brown, has been much-maligned throughout his six-year career, but perception is starting to change.

Brown is in the second year of a three-year deal. Surprisingly to most, he’s played well so far in 2021 after struggling in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His 37 tackles ranked third on the team and he’s second in interceptions (2) and passes defended (8) behind Diggs. Earlier this week, Brown talked about how he feels he’s one of the NFL’s best corners and that he’s a good compliment to Diggs.

“He was coming off his seven-game interception streak and me on the other side, people might feel like they’ll target me more because he’s getting so many interceptions,” Brown said Friday. “But I feel like I’m just as good as any corner in this league. I feel like I’m holding my own on my side also. I feel like we’re playing well off each other.”

When the Cowboys drafted Kelvin Joseph in the second round and back in April many thought the Cowboys had found their CB2 opposite, Diggs. That may be true in the future, but with Joseph’s groin injury that kept him out until last week against the Minnesota Vikings, Brown has made it clear that he’s not giving up his spot without a fight.

“I’ve just been putting my head down working every day,” Brown said. “I’m not doing anything different. I’m just coming to work every day and showing the world what I can contribute to the team, showing my athletic ability and showing that I can make plays just like anybody else on this team.”

There’s nothing like depth and competition especially at a position like cornerback. However, Brown has the top spot as the second corner on the Cowboys and his play will continue to be vital to the success of the defense.