The Dallas Cowboys defense didn’t quite look like themselves in their Week 3 loss to the Cardinals, but a dominant win over the Patriots Sunday had them clicking again.
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Cowboys Continue To Dominate on Turnovers
Dallas forced three turnovers and allowed only 53 rushing yards. Since 2021, the unit has led the league in turnovers with 77 forced.
Cornerback DaRon Bland got his second pick-six of the season as a Mac Jones pass fell straight into his hands, returning it 54 yards for a touchdown. Bland is taking the place of Trevon Diggs, who had a season-ending ACL injury in practice.
.@DaRon_Bland goin' beast mode 🔥
📺: FOX & NFL+ ➡️ https://t.co/yLMhJNTZjs pic.twitter.com/c9KIO4uz4H
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) October 1, 2023
With his second pick-six this season, Bland is tied with Tony Pollard for the most touchdowns on the team. When asked if he is getting used to being the starter, Bland said, “Definitely.”
“You got to get comfortable on the road; it’s a big role to take over,” Bland said. “A game like this definitely makes me more confident.”
This was the second defensive touchdown of the game as Leighton Vander Esch returned a fumble 11 yards for a score after a Dante Fowler Jr. strip sack. This was the first time since 2013 that the Cowboys had two defensive touchdowns in a game.
“Two picks with a pick-six, you don’t always get that,” Bland said. That’s definitely the top [of my career].”
MORE: Mike McCarthy Optimistic After Cowboys Dominant Win
The Cowboys’ next opponent will be a true test for the defense. The 49ers offense is fourth in yards per play and fifth in scoring, and quarterback Brock Purdy has the highest quarterback rating in the league. CB Stephon Gilmore said the team is up for the challenge.
“It’s gonna be fun. They got a good football team, so it’s going to be a challenge for us, and the best team is going to win for sure,” Gilmore said. “We gotta go earn it. It’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna take everybody.”