3 Studs (and 2 Duds) From Cowboys' Blowout Win Over Patriots

Stud 2: DaRon Bland

Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland is getting all the praise he deserves after his Week 4 effort.

Bland made Patriots QB Mac Jones pay not once, but twice for costly mistakes on Sunday, which helped Dallas ensure no comeback bids would take place.

First, the CB stepped up with New England threatening before halftime. As Jones looked to make something happen from the Cowboys' 48-yard line, he commited the quarterback cardinal sin of throwing back across the field. Bland read Jones' eyes perfectly on the play, undercutting the pass to Kendrick Bourne and taking it 54 yards for a touchdown.

Then on the first drive of the third quarter, the Pats faced a pivotal 4th-and-2 to try and get back into it. Jones once again underthrew his receiver, and Bland jumped it for his second INT of the day.

Judging by his playmaking to begin the year, it looks like Bland is making a sophomore leap. The Fresno State product already has two pick-sixes this season, as he also took advantage of Daniel Jones in the opener to make a house call.

With his three passes defended on Sunday, Bland's also up to four total on the year, putting him more than halfway past his 2022 total of seven. Assuming he keeps this up, the former fifth-round pick could take Trevon Diggs' place and challenge for an All-Pro nod at the end of this season.