The Dallas Cowboys fired in all three phases of their game on Sunday, contributing to a 43-20 win against the Los Angeles Rams.
The defense continues to impress, and one member is taking a pivotal second-year jump at a much-needed time for the unit.
DaRon Bland is taking the Cowboys’ backfield by storm and continues to be a difference-maker for the team.
DaRon Bland Shattering Records
Bland is only in his second season and continues to make impressive strides in his career.
He had his third pick six of the season on Sunday against the Rams, the most in Cowboys franchise history.
MORE: Jerry Jones Praises Cowboys After Win Over Rams
The corner now has four interceptions on the season, half of the Cowboys’ eight total.
But Sunday’s pick-six against the Rams gives the 24-year-old nine career interceptions, the third-most in a Cowboys player’s first 24 career games, trailing Everson Walls, who had 17, and Trevon Diggs, who had 12.
After Diggs was put on injured reserve for the rest of the season with a torn ACL, eyes went immediately to Bland to ensure there wasn’t a drop-off in the Cowboys’ secondary.
After the game, Bland said it means a lot stepping in as the team’s boundary corner in Diggs’ absence, adding, “You know Diggs, he was always wanting to get the ball. Just being able to step in, it feels good.
During the game, Diggs tweeted about his excitement for his teammate multiple times.
let’s be Real, BLAND The 1 🥷🏿
— SEVEN (@TrevonDiggs) October 29, 2023
Bland Is Praised by Teammates, Coaches, and Ownership
Diggs isn’t the only teammate to praise Bland’s accomplishments. Dak Prescott complimented Bland, saying, “He’s that guy.”
Prescott explained how difficult it is for Bland to not only switch positions in Diggs’ absence but also still be an impact player.
“Obviously, when you lose a guy like Trevon, people wonder. Then, when a guy like that steps in, and he says, ‘Hey, I’m here, and I’m here to play,’ that’s important. That’s huge. And he’s a mature man that prepares the right way and does everything throughout the week,” Prescott said.
The quarterback says the young player has been impressive and that it’s just the beginning for him.
Mike McCarthy also commended Bland for his play at his age, stating, “He’s super instinctive and has great ball skills. 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.”
As for what Jerry Jones thinks, the owner says Bland has put in an ample amount of work since being the Cowboys’ fifth-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Bland signed a four-year contract in 2022 that wouldn’t allow him to hit free agency until 2026. But Jones likes what he has seen so far, stating, “He’s just what we see, and he’s made big plays for us so far this year. He’ll make big plays in my mind for the rest of his career.”
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