Dallas Cowboys News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys: CB DaRon Bland’s Case for Defensive Player of the Year

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Brandon Self, NFL | Last updated 12/12/23

CB DaRon Bland – Dallas Cowboys (Fresno State, 2022)

Dallas Cowboys second year cornerback has a legitimate case for being named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year this season. The Cowboys corner has taken the league by storm amassing an impressive interception collage along with multiple impressive solo tackles. Here are the top reasons why Dallas Cowboys corner DaRon Bland should be named 2023-2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

During the 2023 regular season, Bland has intercepted 8 passes which ranks him first in the league. Out of those league leading 8 picks he has taken 5 of them for a touchdown. His 5 pick-sixes ranks him 1st all-time in pick-sixes in NFL history… and there’s still 4 games left in the 2023 season. Bland has a total of 209 interception return yards as well, also ranking him first in the NFL in that category.

Bland has a knack for the football and receiver hands capable of hauling in tough passes. Where Bland seems to elevate himself above similar performers, particularly fellow Cowboy and injured cornerback Trevon Diggs, is that Bland is rarely burned deep. Bland doesn’t gamble on interceptions as frequently as Diggs did and he’s a much more solid solo tackler. Bland is also an excellent man defender which makes him an extremely valuable asset for the Dallas Cowboys who utilize man coverage on 36.5-percent of their defensive snaps, according to PFF.

Bland ranks 14th overall in the NFL in passes defended with 14. This number doesn’t necessarily reflect a total value of a corner because it depends on the amount of times they’re targeted. For example, legendary cornerback Darrell averaged 12 passes defended in his Hall of Fame career. Speaking of Revis, let’s look at his 2009 season (considered his best) and compare it to Bland. In 2009, Revis had 6 interceptions, Bland leads by 2. Revis had 47 tackles, Bland has 45 with 4 games left. Revis had one pick-six… not close to Bland’s 5.

What about the past two corners to win Defensive Player of the Year? Fellow Dallas Cowboy Stephon Gilmore won the award in 2019. During that season Gilmore had 6 interceptions (adv. Bland), 2 pick-sixes (adv. Bland), and 44 solo tackles (adv. Bland).

In 2009, legendary cornerback Charles Woodson had the greatest season for a corner ever and won the Defensive Player of the Year award. During that season, Woodson had 9 interceptions, 3 pick-sixes, and 66 solo tackles. Unbelievable numbers for sure but Bland is neck and neck with him.

Currently DaRon Bland ranks as the second highest graded cornerback in the NFL, according to PFF. Bland trails Bears corner Jaylon Johnson by .1 point. When you compare stats between Johnson and Bland the numbers aren’t even close, Bland beats him by a mile.

Bland’s impact on the Dallas Cowboys’ season has been massive. The second year corner was forced into a more impactful role following the season ending ACL injury to pro bowler Diggs. He has stepped into the role with efficient production and huge plays. The second year corner deserves the recognition that accompanies other corners who have had similar or even less productive seasons. If Sauce Gardner was having the same season Bland is compiling there wouldn’t even be a question about it.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: