Daron Bland’s Outstanding Performance Sparks Debate for Defensive Player of the Year

The eleventh game of the season saw Cowboys cornerback Daron Bland secure his record-setting fifth pick-six, catapulting him into the conversation for defensive player of the year.

For one teammate, there’s no debate at all.

“He got to win defensive player of the year,” remarked safety Israel Mukuamu via Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News. “He’s got to. It’s mandatory. Ain’t no question.”

Yet, there is a question, given the presence of other viable candidates. Browns defensive end Myles Garrett has secured 13 sacks, Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter has 12, while Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt and Cowboys versatile defender Micah Parsons have each notched 11.5.

Yes, Micah Parsons; consistently dominant and actively involved in the game. He, too, is a part of the Cowboys.

Bland has shattered the ultimate right-place, right-time record on defense. Being a shutdown corner means fewer opportunities to: (1) intercept a pass, and (2) return it for a touchdown.

This isn’t to diminish his achievement, but it doesn’t inherently scream “defensive player of the year.” It’s the paradox of being recognized as a great cornerback. If you are one, you won’t get as many opportunities to prove it. If you aren’t, you will.

Perhaps opposing offenses have misjudged him and are unwilling to acknowledge it. Nonetheless, having five interceptions returned for touchdowns may not surpass a pass rusher who approaches or exceeds the single-season record of 22.5.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones seems to either understand this or simply wants to avoid the challenge of eventually paying Bland, Parsons, quarterback Dak Prescott, and other key players all at once. Fortunately for Jones, Bland isn’t eligible for a new contract until after the 2024 season.

“I don’t know about that,” Jones told reporters about Bland as a defensive player of the year contender, “but I sure thought he got that defensive player of the week. He [maybe] should be offensive player with the way he made that run to the end zone. Pull that one out for consideration.”

Bland is undeniably a contender for defensive player of the year. However, there’s still a long road ahead and numerous other strong candidates in the running. If he manages to secure two or three more in the final six games, it could be difficult to deny him the accolade.