Silver lining: Cowboys standout shows rising star flashes vs. Jaguars
The Dallas Cowboys lost in heartbreaking fashion in overtime after failing to close out the game in regulation with a late lead. While the offense isn't without fault (the game was decided on a pick-six), an injured defense was the biggest reason why Dallas lost after allowing over seven yards per play. What should've been […]
The Dallas Cowboys lost in heartbreaking fashion in overtime after failing to close out the game in regulation with a late lead.
While the offense isn't without fault (the game was decided on a pick-six), an injured defense was the biggest reason why Dallas lost after allowing over seven yards per play. What should've been over by halftime wasn't so.
The Cowboys let the Jaguars stick around and one-possession games can go both ways
But believe it or not, there's a bright spot to talk about.
We always knew Dallas Cowboys rookie DaRon Bland had the traits to become a true cornerback in the NFL. He fit the Dan Quinn mold perfectly and it'd be a matter of time before he blossomed into a starting-caliber player.
What we didn't really know was how little it would take him to emerge as a rising star.
Since the moment the Cowboys called upon him to replace Jourdan Lewis in the slot, Bland has been lights out. Fourteen games into the season, Bland leads the Cowboys with four interceptions. None of us could've predicted Bland would lead Trevon Diggs after the veteran recorded 11 picks last year.
On Sunday, the Cowboys' fifth-round pick had a particularly difficult task covering Christian Kirk, who happens to be Trevor Lawrence's most targeted receiver.
Bland delivered getting an interception and recording two pass breakups.
Bland did have a couple of rough reps in the fourth quarter -along with his entire team- when the Jaguars dialed up a "pick play" to scheme Kirk open for a big gain before giving up Zay Jones' third touchdown of the game a few plays later.
That shouldn't go unnoticed, as those were big players in a close game. But overall, Bland continued to show improvement at nickel and he did so against one of the league's best passing offenses. The Cowboys rookie was a bright spot on this one.
Such a performance shouldn't be ignored as the Cowboys defense continues to navigate injuries on every level of their defense.
Featured image via Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio / USA TODAY NETWORK
