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DaRon Bland makes incredible game-ending play on Rachaad White in wild SNF sequence

Brian Jones Profile Picby:Brian Jones•12/22/24•

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Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) returns an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland ripped the ball away from Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Rachaad White to give the team a Sunday Night Football win. The Cowboys improve to 7-8 on the season.

Despite being eliminated from playoff contention, the Cowboys battled with a Buccaneers team that was looking to come a step closer to clinching the NFC South. DaRon Bland had a strong showing on Sunday night, registering eight tackles, and one pass defended to go along with his forced fumble and recovery.

After the game, Bland spoke to NBC’s Melissa Stark about how he made the game-winning play. “I just seen [White] had the ball kind of loose. I was like it was time to go get the ball,” Bland said. “Kind of made a mistake at the end a drive before that, so had to get the ball back.”

Bland also talked about going up against Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans who finished the game with five catches for 69 yards. “I proved I can hang in there with the best of the best and I’m pretty much up there with the best of the best,” Bland explained. “It felt good.”

DaRon Bland is happy to be back in action

In 2023, Bland emerged as one of the best defensive backs in the NFL, recording nine interceptions and five were returned for a touchdown. But ahead of the 2024 season, the former Fresno State star suffered a stress fracture and missed the first 11 weeks of the year. The forced fumble against the Bucs was the first of the season and his career.

“It was good being back out there,” Bland said after making his return last month, per Cowboys.com. “I felt like I knocked off some rust. … [I feel] Better than I thought it would. I thought I’d be a lot more rusty, but I feel pretty good.”

The return of Bland is one reason the Cowboys have been playing better football recently. The team has won four of its last five games, and the win against Tampa Bay is the third of the year against a squad with a winning record. The strong play by the Cowboys is good for head coach Mike McCarthy as his future with the team is unclear.