Should DaRon Bland win the Defensive Player of the Year?

It was another Thanksgiving to remember for the Dallas Cowboys and their fans, but no one would have had more right to celebrate then defensive back DaRon Bland.

After tying the NFL single-season record for interception returns for a touchdown with his fourth against the Carolina Panthers in Week 11, the young corner said he was going to go all out to break the record as soon as possible.

Incredibly, he needed just five days, returning an interception 63 yards for the Cowboys’ final score in a 45-10 demolition of the Washington Commanders on Thanksgiving Day.

Entering Thursday, Bland had been tied with Eric Allen (1993), Jim Kearney (1972) and Ken Houston (1971) for the record.

Why Bland deserves more recognition for his achievement

It has been a memorable few months for the second year Cowboy. With Stephon Gilmore joining in the offseason, Bland’s position was potentially at threat. But he’s started every game this year, has seven interceptions, including the five he returned for a score, 13 pass deflections, 48 combined tackles and has well and truly put himself up as a fans favourite in Arlington in 2023.

Incredibly, Bland has more defensive touchdowns than any other team this season. His five touchdowns are equal to notable offensive players like Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley and Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs, and he now has more career scores than Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons.

The touchdown set off a wild celebration that saw him end up in one of the Salvation Army red kettles, surrounded by at least a dozen teammates. The party lasted so long that coach Mike McCarthy was forced to call a timeout before the point-after attempt.

Before the record-breaking play, it looked like a three-player race for NFL Defensive Player of the Year between Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, and T.J. Watt. But, despite still being a longshot with the bookies, Bland has now well-immersed himself in the conversation.

Does Bland really have a real chance? Of course he has a shot, and a couple more big players will only help his cause. Yet, it does still seem unlikely that he will be able surpass any of the three edge defenders ahead of him, given their profile.

Regardless of whether he wins it or not, Bland is having a career year and has cemented his place as a key factor behind the Cowboys’ defensive successes so far this season.