The Dallas Cowboys are 8-3 heading into December, and they’re hoping that this is the year they finally break their championship drought and win their first Super Bowl since the 1995 season.
They have gotten to this point with the help of a defense that ranks fourth in points given up and third in total yards allowed thanks to multiple studs.
While much of the attention on defense is focused on star pass rusher Micah Parsons, Dallas also has another emerging star in cornerback DaRon Bland, who is leading the NFL with seven interceptions and five pick-sixes this year.
Former fullback Michael Robinson, who won a world championship with the Seattle Seahawks a decade ago, feels Bland should be an MVP candidate, per NFL GameDay.
“[DaRon Bland] is to me, a MVP candidate.” 👀
High praise from @RealMikeRob 👏 https://t.co/tD3HuJgWuD pic.twitter.com/SQnQdNhkax
— NFL GameDay (@NFLGameDay) December 1, 2023
Throughout NFL history, mostly quarterbacks have won the regular-season MVP award, and only twice has a defensive player won the award.
The last time a defensive player won the MVP was in 1986 when legendary pass rusher Lawrence Taylor took home the award en route to a Super Bowl win with the New York Giants.
Bland has stepped up in excellent fashion following a season-ending torn ACL that star corner Trevon Diggs, a two-time Pro Bowler, suffered in September.
The Cowboys have also excelled on offense, where they’re leading everyone in points and passing touchdowns.
As usual, how far they go in the playoffs will depend on how well quarterback Dak Prescott plays — he has played brilliantly of late, but he has a history of underperforming in the playoffs.
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