'Better Be Careful!' Dan Quinn Warns Opponents Not To Target Dallas Cowboys CB DaRon Bland
Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland has cemented himself into the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year with his record-setting performance this season. On Thanksgiving, he set the single-season record for pick-sixes in a season (five), introducing himself to the nation on the biggest stage of the regular season.
A week later, the Cowboys would once again play on Thursday and, unsurprisingly, in front of the masses. This time, it didn’t go so well.
Bland recorded his fourth pick-six of the season against the Carolina Panthers in Week 11.
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Bland was targeted on Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf’s 73-yard touchdown in which he took a slant to the house. Seattle continued to go at him. In the first half, Bland was targeted six times for five catches, 137 yards, and a score. It was arguably his worst performance of the season – the Los Angeles Chargers gave him some trouble, too.
Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn made the requisite adjustment at halftime, putting veteran corner Stephon Gilmore on the 6-3 giant. Gilmore followed him around Jerry World for most of the second half, rather than sticking to his side of the field as the Cowboys generally operate.
Metcalf finished his day with six catches for 134 yards and three scores, but Dallas had the last laugh, winning 41-35 on a clutch defensive stop and an MVP-like performance from quarterback Dak Prescott.
On Monday, Quinn responded to questions about Bland’s coverage abilities, and if teams would target him more -- like the Seahawks did.
“If they do, they’d better be careful,” Quinn said.
He has a point: Bland is the league leader in interceptions (eight) for a reason. He even took one away from Seahawks passer Geno Smith on Thursday and dropped another on fourth down.
Only Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson has graded out better in coverage (at corner) per Pro Football Focus. Johnson and Cleveland Browns corner Martin Emerson Jr. are the only ones with a worse passer rating when targeted.
Bland’s proclivity for creating turnovers has rendered him a force to be reckoned with, and when he’s on the kind of tear he has been this season, it’s probably best to look elsewhere. No one has been better at taking the football away, more than compensating for any half-long lapses in sticky coverage.
In Week 14, Bland will get a similarly tough task: Philadelphia Eagles receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Their willingness to attack Bland, especially downfield, will be a measuring stick for the respect his interceptions have earned him.
