The Dallas Cowboys are in full evaluation mode as they get ready to kickoff offseason training activities (OTAs). Some very important questions hang over these important slots. The future of cornerback DaRon Bland is unknown. His standout rookie campaign led to optimism about his future with the team and fear that he would not be with the team much longer.
In 2022, Bland was called on most drastically when the Cowboys’ veteran cornerback Jourdan Lewis suffered a gruesome foot injury. By taking over the slot position, Bland showed he could take on more responsibility. The entire team is looking ahead to 2023. Those talks continue as discussions shift between whether Bland should remain in the slot or move back outside to cornerback while Diggs is injured.
DaRon Bland’s Impact in 2022
Bland’s breakout in 2022 couldn’t have come at a better time for the Cowboys. Once Lewis suffered his injury, Bland more than capably filled in to take over slot duties. What impressed coaches and fans most during his tenure was his versatility and skill. His versatility and ability to fit into different defensive schemes turned him into one of the most valuable assets during an injury-riddled season.
Even with an immediate role as a starter established, some evaluators feel that Bland’s skills would be best put to use on the perimeter. His skill set aligns with what the Cowboys need in a boundary corner, where he can leverage his speed and agility to cover larger receivers. The question is how to balance his clear potential value over several positions.
Record-Breaking Performance in 2023
As the 2023 season developed, DaRon Bland proved himself to be one of the best plays in all of football. He even once returned five interceptions for touchdowns, a feat which still stands today as the standard for all NFL defensive backs. This outstanding accomplishment emphasized his playmaking talents, football IQ, and spatial awareness on the field. On top of that, he led the league with nine interceptions, solidifying his place as one of the best cornerbacks in the entire league.
Bland’s unbelievable showing from last season led many members of the Cowboys coaching staff to wonder. They’re clearly still figuring out the best way to use him moving forward. Combine the above with his ability to impact the game positively when he turns the ball over, and he is an irreplaceable talent. Others are concerned that if he’s only used in the slot, his defensive impact will be constrained.
Future Considerations for the Cowboys
As OTAs just around the corner, the Cowboys will need to be making some crucial moves with their defensive first-string lineup. They’ll have to weigh all of Bland’s history, sure, but the totality of their cornerback room’s depth. If the coaching staff thinks he can succeed as a true outside corner, that’s the route they’ll want to pursue. They won’t want to pigeonhole him into a slot role.
The decisions made about Bland will have a big impact on how the Cowboys roll out their defensive scheme this season. If he does stay outside, the team might have to make another pick or find an alternative solution to having a weapon from the slot. On the flip side, if they continue to use him primarily in the slot, that would be going a long way towards lowering his game-changing ability.
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