4 winners (and 1 loser) from Cowboys dominant win vs Patriots

Cowboys Stud: DaRon Bland, CB

When Trevon Diggs was lost to an ACL tear, the Cowboys defense knew they were going to need someone to step up. The player they asked to take over his role was second-year defensive back DaRon Bland, and he's done exactly that.

Bland moved from the slot to the outside as Jourdan Lewis took his position. In place of Diggs, Bland played well in Week 3 but then went off this weekend. He picked off Mac Jones twice (and it was almost three times) taking the first one back for a touchdown.

That gives him three interceptions on the season as he's somehow been quietly dominant since being drafted in Round 5 last season.

Bland led the Dallas defense with five picks in 2022 and now with his three this year, he has the most in the NFL since entering the league according to Ed Werder.

Bland has been fortunate to play on a very talented defense, which is why the ball is up for grabs so often. The front seven continues to get after the quarterback, and while they ended up with just two sacks this week, they were again in the face of Jones and Bailey Zappe all afternoon.

Even with the ball being forced out that quickly, Bland deserves praise for putting in the work. He's clearly studying film and has a strong understanding of where the ball is going. He's gambling at times, which is what good cornerbacks do, and it continues to be smart gambles.

More Dallas Cowboys news and analysis