Putting aside the Dak Prescott legacy talk, arguably no player on the Dallas Cowboys is under more pressure than DaRon Bland. Not only is Dallas counting on him to be its No. 1 cornerback, but very quietly, there's a possible out in his contract next offseason.
If the injury bug returns, the Cowboys may face a tough call on Bland's future. Coming off a second surgery on his left foot in as many years, it was imperative in training camp that he looked healthy and resembled the player who took the league by storm in 2023.
While there is only so much to glean from team drills, Bland is passing the test. Thursday was another good afternoon out in Oxnard for the 27-year-old, who recorded multiple pass breakups.
This is the exact sign Dallas needed to see.
DaRon Bland looks like himself so far in Cowboys training camp
On his first PBU, Bland was draped all over Jonathan Mingo on a comeback route and jumped the pass (h/t Tommy Yarrish, DallasCowboys.com). He basically ran the route for Mingo. It was this close to being an interception.
More importantly, he planted and exploded through the break to knock the pass away. A promising sign that he's not feeling any effects from his foot surgery.
Bland's second pass breakup came against George Pickens. While Sam Howell could have put a little more zip on the throw, it was still on target. Bland was the difference, staying glued to Pickens on a crossing route before perfectly timing his swipe through the catch point to break up the pass without drawing a flag.
Even though he lost a 1-on-1 rep against CeeDee Lamb, Bland was right on his hip throughout the route (h/t Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com).
Lamb barely created enough separation, and Bland even got a hand on the ball. Dak Prescott simply put the throw right between the numbers. Even in defeat, it was another encouraging sign that Bland trusts his foot enough to be a pest in coverage and competitive at the catch point.
It's not a complete excuse for Bland's performance last season, but it's fair to wonder how much the foot affected his ability. His confidence has finally returned.
“I’m confident right now,” Bland said at the start of camp. “This whole rehab, I’ve had no hiccups like last time. It feels way stronger.”
Please, let this be a sign of things to come.
Bland doesn't need to lead the NFL in interceptions and pick-sixes (again) to prove his worth to Christian Parker's defense. The Cowboys just need the healthy, instinctive cornerback who trusts his body and lets his playmaking ability take over.
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