'Devastated!' Cowboys' DeRon Bland Reacts to New Role After Diggs' Injury
The Dallas Cowboys lost star cornerback Trevon Diggs to a torn ACL on Thursday, maybe ending their chances at having a truly historical defense.
Locking down a particular side of the field or opposing target is invaluable to a defense. Likewise, Diggs’ ball skills have rendered him one of the most feared defensive backs in all of football. The Cowboys will go the rest of 2023 without him.
And his replacement at corner? DaRon Bland said he was "definitely devastated" by the turn of events.
However, Dallas’ sunken chances are merely theoretical. Diggs’ injury ended his season - not the Cowboys’. Sunday will give fans the first look at what the defense will look like without their ace ballhawk.
Bland is expected to fill Diggs’ shoes at boundary corner. Bland started the season at slot corner, picking up an interception and a pass breakup in 62 coverage snaps. Cornerback Jourdan Lewis is expected to take over inside.
On Friday, Bland reacted to the notion of moving back to the boundary, where he spent a decent portion of his 2022 rookie campaign.
“I just got to keep my head straight,” Bland said. “I’m definitely a lot more comfortable. I’m not playing as much on my instincts. I’m able to be better at my techniques.”
The Cowboys hope Bland’s previous experience eases the transition back to full-time outside cornerback. He was forced inside out of luxury this offseason when they traded for former Defensive Player of the Year cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
Gilmore’s prowess has helped Dallas get off to a hot start defensively. He was incredible in the Cowboys’ 30-10 win over the New York Jets in Week 2, intercepting a pass and earning an elite 89.9 grade on the day from Pro Football Focus.
His veteran presence is needed now more than ever, too. Bland revealed the advice Gilmore gave to him after Diggs’ injury.
“Just keep it the same,” Gilmore told him. “Don’t try to do too much. Just be you.”
Bland’s first test back outside will come on Sunday, when Dallas visits the Arizona Cardinals. How he responds could go a long way in revealing this team’s ceiling the rest of the way.
