The Dallas Cowboys have been setting the record straight in their home games. This was the case again after defeating the Los Angeles Rams in a brutal beatdown. The offense got the job done, especially Dak Prescott who put on another phenomenal performance, finishing with 304 passing yards. However, the defense, led by DaRon Bland, more than held up their end of the bargain.
It’s none other than DaRon Bland who’s been filling the shoes for the Trevon Diggs. He’s the new star defender who is leading the team now with the most interceptions this year. He’s now in the conversations for Defensive Player of the Year and the season isn’t even finished yet. Cowboys fans, you can have sweet dreams now, the nightmare of losing Diggs is gone.
Bland reflected more about the pick-six he snagged from Matthew Stafford, “I saw Cooper Kupp in the stack and he had an option route. He broke out and once he turned, I saw that ball and I said, ‘Thank you.'”
3RD PICK-6 OF THE YEAR FOR DARON BLAND 🔥
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The Dallas Cowboys Have a New DPOY Candidate In DaRon Bland
DaRon Bland Is a Pick-Six Menace
Not only is Bland a pick-six menace, but he’s reading the quarterbacks well. It’s almost like he’s reading a book, but he gets the happy ending. Bland is one pick-six shy of tying the NFL record for most in a single season. No doubt, he went through humility when he was picked in the fifth round of the NFL Draft.
Bland is now in the spotlight and it’s a dream for Dan Quinn after seeing the unfortunate injury to Trevon Diggs. Last season, he had a breakout and now it’s his advantage to use that time now to prove his worth. He has done that ever since stepping on the field with the team. Bland hasn’t lost a step, so his abilities can be game-changing and a momentum shifter.
Bland explained more with a smile of the expectations he had before the season started, “My goal was to have at least one interception this season. I have to rethink it now, halfway through the season. I wouldn’t have thought it would’ve come this quickly. I’m just doing my job.”
On His Way to MVP Status
Let’s forget the conversation about Bland’s DPOY status. No matter what if he wins it or not, he’s still Dallas’ most valuable player this year. For someone to come in last year and adjust to a new position this year, is a dream for Cowboys fans. The excitement and joy that comes from his pick-sixes show why he’s important to this team’s success.
DaRon Bland is actually playing much better at outside cornerback than he did at nickel. He’s only allowing a 10.7 passer rating allowed in coverage and that’s the lowest in the NFL among most players. He’s the spice to this Dallas defense and they are going to be hot for a long time.
Even his quarterback, Dak Prescott, is proud of his success, “That’s why I said he’s that guy. Not a lot of guys are able to move positions like that and make the impact that he’s been able to make.”
No Fly Zone
Stephon Gilmore already set his status and the abilities he can bring to the table before arriving in Dallas. With Bland stepping up, it’s like Gilmore is motivating him to improve his game and it’s paying off. It’s a reason why Gilmore won NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. Bland is jumping right in to complete the pair with Gilmore alongside to complete Dallas’ no-fly zone.
Bland is turning up his young career quickly and showcasing why he should be a part of the headlines. Sure, Micah Parsons, Demarcus Lawrence and CeeDee Lamb get their well-deserved time. However, Bland is making his case for this season and he’s not stopping. His elite coverage and impressive numbers will continue to stack.
Main Photo: Tim Heitman – USA Today Sports
