Dallas Cowboys' DaRon Bland Gets Hall of Fame 'Pick-6' Display And Reveals Super Bowl Goal
Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland is still basking in the glow of his history-making fifth pick-6 of the season against the Washington Commanders. ... with the words "Super Bowl'' and "Hall of Fame'' now part of the conversation.
Bland picked off Sam Howell in the fourth quarter to put an exclamation mark on the 45-10 win and created history in the process.
But for all the fanfare and congratulations coming his way - which includes the Pro Football Hall of Fame preparing a display in Canton featuring Bland's game-worn cleats and gloves - Bland's focus is still on the same thing it has always been on.
"Now, it's just trying to go all the way for the team and win the Super Bowl," Bland said. "I was always more into the team goals than anything, because the personal goals will come with it."
When All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs went down with an ACL injury, there were question marks over Dallas' secondary with Diggs' playmaking abilities no longer being there.
Enter second-year man Bland.
Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland is in All-Pro form after grabbing his fifth pick-6 on the season against the Commanders.
© Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
He now has seven interceptions on the year, with five being returned for a score, and per PFF, he has an overall grade of 91.5. Being an offensive player in his early years at school (running back and quarterback), Bland has a knack, much like Diggs, for coming down with the ball when it's in his area.
And he has a similar mindset to Trevon as well ... it's "See ball, get ball.''
"Every time the ball goes in the air, I go back to my offensive ways," Bland said. "Trying to get the ball and see what I can do with the ball in my hands."
Coordinator Dan Quinn's defense is only allowing, on average, 16.8 points a game (ranks 4th), has created 17 turnovers (ranks 11th), and allowing only 167 passing yards per game (ranks 2nd).
Such has been Bland's form, he has an interception in three straight games and a pick-6 in back-to-back games, which brings his career total to 12 interceptions in just 17 games.
Oh, and while Canton can have his cleats and his gloves, those interception game balls are staying with their owner.
"All of the balls are still (boxed up) right now," Bland said, smiling about the trophy case he'll now need to build in his home.
