Cowboys: Unfortunate news opens window for ascending player
The Dallas Cowboys are 5-2 after a 24-6 win over the Detroit Lions in week seven. Unfortunately, Dallas is set to play the remainder of the season without a key player on the defense. Starting slot corner Jourdan Lewis made a big play late in the game, intercepting Lions' quarterback Jared Goff. The Cowboys would […]
The Dallas Cowboys are 5-2 after a 24-6 win over the Detroit Lions in week seven. Unfortunately, Dallas is set to play the remainder of the season without a key player on the defense.
Starting slot corner Jourdan Lewis made a big play late in the game, intercepting Lions' quarterback Jared Goff. The Cowboys would go onto score more points. However, Lewis suffered a season-ending injury on the play.
Lewis wasted no time to get treated. He had surgery on Sunday night. That ends his season prematurely after playing well through seven games. Now, the Cowboys will turn to a rookie to fill the void left by Lewis.
Big opportunity for emerging player
DaRon Bland is next up for the Cowboys. He was drafted in the fifth-round of the 2022 NFL Draft after playing at Fresno State on the collegiate level. Bland generated some preseason hype with his performances in training camp and exhibition games.
This season, he has flashed in spurts. He even grabbed his first career interception in the Cowboys' win over the Washington Commanders. The rookie was building a case to play more snaps even before the unfortunate injury news. Now, he has a chance to really thrive.
Bland features some athletic traits that made him an intriguing draft prospect. He was a two-sport athlete in college that performed in track and field. Bland participated in the 60-meter and long jump while at Sacramento State before transferring to Fresno.
The rookie defensive was far from a polished product coming out of college. However, those tangibles and profile caught the Cowboys' attention. Dallas selected the 6-1 and 202-pound defensive back at No. 167 overall.
"(Bland's) length, speed and toughness are desirable traits for NFL teams to develop," Brugler wrote in his draft guide.
It is unfortunate to see Jourdan Lewis go down. On the bright side of things, this opens the door for DaRon Bland to really flourish in Dan Quinn's defense for the Dallas Cowboys.
Featured image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
