The NFL Honors befell on Thursday night time, celebrating the person accomplishments of gamers throughout the league. In simply his second season, CB DaRon Bland attended the occasion as a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award. He was joined by his teammate Micah Parsons, who was a finalist for the third-straight 12 months. Bland’s season for the Cowboys was the other of bland. In truth, it was historic for a defensive again. In his first season taking part in on the skin, Bland had a league-leading 9 interceptions. Five of his interceptions had been returned for a landing, breaking the NFL single-season document for many in a season.

Not solely was he an excellent ball-hawk for the Cowboys, however he was persistently a shutdown nook for the workforce all through the season. According to PFF, Bland allowed simply 725 yards and three touchdowns all through the season. This is a median of simply 42.6 receiving yards per recreation. He additionally solely allowed 48 receptions on 89 targets all through the season.

Despite his record-breaking season, Bland acquired the least quantity of votes out of the 5 finalists for the award. Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett took the award, with Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt ending because the runner up. Parsons completed third in voting, after being the runner-up for the award the earlier two seasons. Las Vegas Raiders Maxx Crosby acquired the fourth most votes, leaving Bland in final among the many finalists.

All of the finalists had unbelievable seasons, all deserving of reward for his or her sensational performances. However, not one of the candidates had a extra historic season than Bland. The final cornerback to win the award was CB Stephon Gilmore, who took dwelling the award in 2019. When evaluating their seasons, they’re very related.

Bland’s ultimate recreation this season left a bitter style in lots of followers mouth, because the workforce allowed 48 factors to the Green Bay Packers of their wild card loss within the playoffs. However, Bland had the most effective statistical season for a cornerback within the 2023 season, and to have such a historic season neglected is unlucky.