Cowboys: Film breakdown shows the fluidity and instincts of DaRon Bland
DaRon Bland was taken by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round. However, with the starters already in place and multiple backups with NFL experience on the roster, albeit limited, Bland would have to show out in training camp and especially the preseason to make the final 53. Mission accomplished as Bland was one of […]
DaRon Bland was taken by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round. However, with the starters already in place and multiple backups with NFL experience on the roster, albeit limited, Bland would have to show out in training camp and especially the preseason to make the final 53.
Mission accomplished as Bland was one of six cornerbacks that the Cowboys kept before Tuesday's deadline.
A to Z Sports Film Room host James Foster rolled out the film to break down how Bland has shown that he could be an important piece to the Cowboys' defense sooner than most think.
The first play Foster dissects came from the Cowboys' preseason finale against the Seahawks.
"So, with this receiver releasing vertically, DaRon Bland is in man coverage," said Foster. "He gets eyes on the quarterback, reads the three-step drop, and anticipates the speed out. Does a great job accelerating and breaking it up with his inside hand."
On a possession that saw the Seahawks move the ball deep into Cowboys' territory, Foster highlighted the patience that Bland plays with, this time in off coverage.
"DaRon Bland never panics when the ball is in the air," said Foster. "Right here, he's in off coverage, and Seattle's running a goal-line fade, and Bland establishes good hand placement before he turns around so that way he's not trying to get his hands in the right spot when while he's looking at the quarterback."
The speed of the NFL game is faster than the college level, and playing cornerback, arguably the hardest position to translate from college to the professional ranks, doesn't make it any easier. However, Bland is already showing that not only is the speed of the game not too much for him but he possesses traits that even seasoned veterans at his position struggle with.
As a cornerback, having good hips is a must with the way receivers change directions and stop on a dime. Foster mentioned how Bland showed he has this particular skill on a play that resulted in an incompletion against the Seahawks.
"On this play, you can see how fluid his hips are, and again how good his hand placement is. Feeling out the route break and closing separation," Foster said.
Bland still has things to work on like keeping his body square in press coverage, better play recognition, and making sure his feet stay moving when defending an option route. However, the tool bag for the fifth-rounder is plentiful and it's clear the Cowboys got a good one.
Feature image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
