The Dallas Cowboys engaged with the Green Bay Packers in a battle to remember on Sunday, ending in a 40-40 tie at AT&T Stadium. It was a matchup that Cowboys fans had circled on their calendars ever since Micah Parsons was traded to the Packers at the end of August, and now it's time for everyone to finally put the situation in the rearview and move on to the rest of the season.
As Cowboys fans focus on October and the months that follow, a portion of the fan base is concerned about cornerback DaRon Bland's outlook moving forward. The 26-year-old pass disruptor hasn't been playing to expectations after signing his $90 million extension earlier this month, and a combination of injuries and Sunday's poor performances has left the Dallas faithful wondering if Bland will ever return to form.
Cowboys CB DaRon Bland Isn't Living Up to $90 Million Contract After 4 Games
Sports teams don't win or lose only because of one player, but it's safe to say Bland was instrumental in the Cowboys' loss to the Packers. The Pro Bowl CB allowed four receptions on seven targets, which included allowing a 46-yard catch to Matthew Golden and a two-yard touchdown to Romeo Doubs on the Packers' opening drive.
On top of that, Bland also gave up an 18-yard catch to Doubs on a fourth-quarter third down, which eventually led to the Packers taking a 34-30 lead with less than two minutes remaining. The performance resulted in a 48.3 coverage grade on Pro Football Focus, which isn't something a team wants to see from their supposed CB1.
Bland's underwhelming outing would've been one thing on its own, but Dallas' already-poor secondary situation makes matters worse. Trevon Diggs, Kaiir Elam, Malik Hooker, and Donovan Wilson have all had their issues in coverage this season, too, further illustrating why they need Bland to lead by example rather than being a part of the problem.
A Week 5 matchup with the New York Jets will offer the perfect opportunity for Bland to get back on track. The Jets are averaging the third-fewest receiving yards per game and seventh-fewest yards per completion ahead of Monday's meeting with the Miami Dolphins, and with their only legitimate receiving threat being Garrett Wilson, Bland has no excuse not to get back on track.
If not, the Cowboys' $90 million regret will only grow with each passing week.