DaRon Bland continues to impress the league and set a new standard for a second-year player.
His pick-six during the Dallas Cowboys’ 33-10 win over the Panthers sealed the deal and was the momentum-changer for the game.
DaRon Bland Making History
But Bland’s pick-six was his fourth of the 2023 season, which now ties him for the most pick-sixes in a season in NFL history. Plus, he has the most by any player in his first two seasons in NFL history.
INT No. 6️⃣
Pick-six No. 4️⃣ @DaRon_Bland 😱 pic.twitter.com/nkERULUdK2— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 19, 2023
After the game, Bland said he knew he had to find the end zone when he got the ball.
He said this was his best pick-six yet because he had to run with the ball and make moves to score.
The cornerback said he knew about the record ahead of the game, and the thought of it popped into his head when he was in the end zone.
“That’s a play I can make any other day,” said Bland.
MORE: Dallas Cowboys Depth Chart
As for his mentality to make pick-sixes happen, he said it goes back to his time playing at Central Catholic High School when he was a wide receiver.
His third pick-six of the season came against the Rams in Week 8, which set a franchise record for the most such plays in a season.
Bland is responsible for five out of the Cowboys’ 10 total interceptions this year.
Filling Big Shoes
The 24-year-old had large shoes to fill in Trevon Diggs’ absence this season, and he has not disappointed.
Diggs has continued to show his support for the young corner and continued to do so on Twitter on Sunday, tweeting that Bland should be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.
DARON BLAND 😨🔥!!
DPOY CONVO !!!— SEVEN (@TrevonDiggs) November 19, 2023
When Diggs talked to the media for the first time since his season-ending ACL injury, he said, “It’s amazing just to see what he’s capable of. I’ve been watching him ever since he came in. He’s always been one heck of a player. Just excited to see him display it. He’s playing like one of the best players right now. I’m excited for him and truly happy for him.”
Something that Mike McCarthy also commended Bland for before, 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.”
From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!