'Test Me!’ Will Dallas Cowboys Cornerback DaRon Bland Again Be Targeted?
The Dallas Cowboys lost superstar cornerback Trevon Diggs following a season-ending ACL injury during practice last month, and for a moment looked like a different team without him.
The injury appeared to puncture a hole in the life raft that was the Cowboys' defense, and had many thinking after a loss to the Arizona Cardinals that they were vulnerable.
On Sunday, though, they were able to not only beat the New England Patriots, but dominate them defensively. They won by a score of 38-6, and it was Diggs' replacement who emerged as the hero of the game for Dallas.
DaRon Bland had himself a career day, picking off Patriots quarterback Mac Jones on two occasions, and returning one of them for a touchdown.
Still, Bland made it known that he is aware that even after his strong showing teams might still go at him.
"I feel like that every week … the teams will try and test me," Bland said. "I just gotta do my job."
© Tim Heitman, USA TODAY
Bland is no stranger to a multi-pick game, as this is actually the second time in his career that he has recorded two interceptions in an outing. Though he was picked in the just fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and has quietly emerged as one of the more productive young defensive backs around, with eight career interceptions.
Diggs' absence leaves some big shoes to fill, but based on Bland's comments, he is confident in himself and his teammates' ability to fill them.
"You gotta get comfortable in the role; it's a big role to take over," Bland said after sliding over from the slot. "You have to know our defense, because everybody can move everywhere. I can play outside, I just had to make sure and not forget that part of it."
Bland and the defense will be challenged in a major way this upcoming Sunday, as they head to the Bay to take on their bitter rival San Francisco 49ers. … with Bland clearly confident he’s up to that “test.”
