If you’re a bit late to the party for the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year voting, you should be adding the name “DaRon Bland” to your list. The second-year fifth-round pick out of Fresno State has been taking interceptions to the house at a record pace this season, and he set the league record for a single season with five — the fifth coming against Sam Howell and the Washington Commanders in a 45-10 win.
There was just 4:50 left in Dallas’ eventual 45-10 blowout, and Bland put the cherry on top of the win by jumping this speed out from Howell to receiver Jahan Dotson, taking it for a 63-yard touchdown.
That pick-six put Bland’s total at five for the season, breaking the record he formerly shared with Eric Allen of the Philadelphia Eagles (1993), Jim Kearney of the Kansas City Chiefs (1972), and Ken Houston of the Houston Oilers (1971).
Bland also leads the league with seven interceptions and 209 return yards.
That’s all impressive, but it’s important to also note that Bland isn’t one of those boom-and-bust cornerbacks who will make big plays for his defense, while allowing an equivalent number of big plays for opposing offenses. For the season, he’s allowed 31 completions on 59 attempts for 353 yards, 102 yards after the catch, one touchdown, those seven interceptions, six pass-breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 36.9. Of all NFL cornerbacks taking at least 50% of their teams’ snaps this season, no cornerback has allowed a lower passer rating — Paulson Adebo of the New Orleans Saints ranks second at 41.3.
The Commanders targeted Bland more than any other team had this season, and in the end, they regretted it. When you watch Bland’s tape through his second NFL season, it’s clear that he’s about a lot more than just pick-sixes — he’s becoming a legitimate shutdown cornerback.