Dallas Cowboys Predict DaRon Bland Future as CB Stars In Injured Trevon Diggs' Place
Late in the first quarter of Sunday's 43-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams inside AT&T Stadium, Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland took his stance and waited for Rams receiver Cooper Kupp to fire off the line of scrimmage.
Kupp ran forward, then broke left. Bland dodged teammate Jordan Lewis, who was covering Rams receiver TuTu Atwell, and vaulted towards Kupp.
Moments later, the 24-year-old Bland was in the endzone, pointing to the sideline and posing in front of cameras with teammates by his side.
The pick-six was Bland's third this season, the most in the NFL. Since being drafted in the fifth round in 2022, he has nine interceptions - through just 13 starts.
Despite his inexperience, Bland's emerged as a difference-making player on the back end of Dallas' defense - but it's far from surprising for teammate and veteran safety Jayron Kearse.
"He had five picks last year; that stopped after last year," Kearse said. "We came in this year ... Everything that he’s doing are things I expect him to do, and he’s doing it."
Bland's last pick-six before Sunday came against the New England Patriots in Week 4. Afterwards, Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy spoke at length about his discipline, while quarterback Dak Prescott noted how his work in practice translates to games.
The results continue to come for Bland, who's allowed only 11 receptions on 23 targets this year, and McCarthy anticipates the best is still to come.
“He’s super instinctive and has great ball skills," McCarthy said. "He’s so consistent for a young player. Not only what he’s done this year but also last year. He’s going to play a long time.”
Oct 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) scores a touchdown on an interception during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Bland's ascension came when the Cowboys desperately needed it, as star cornerback Trevon Diggs was lost for the season with a torn ACL prior to Week 3.
Diggs has earned the reputation of being one of the league's best ballhawks. Bland is quickly working towards joining that conversation ... and he's pleased with how he's fared in place of the two-time Pro Bowler.
"It means a lot," Bland said. "You know Diggs, he was always wanting to get the ball. Just being able to step in, it feels good."
Bland will look to continue his high level of play Sunday, when the Cowboys hit the road for a crucial NFC East contest against the Philadelphia Eagles.
In last year's final matchup between the two teams, Bland had an interception - and he'll look to do the same this time around, with kickoff set for 3:25 p.m. CST.
