Unheralded Cowboys Star Makes Jerry Jones Eat Crow on Thanksgiving

In a stunning turn of events, undrafted rookie DaRon Bland intercepted two passes on Thanksgiving Day, leading the Dallas Cowboys to a 28-20 victory over the New York Giants and forcing team owner Jerry Jones to publicly apologize for his preseason criticism of the young safety.

Bland's Interceptions Seal Victory

Bland's first interception came in the third quarter with the Cowboys trailing by seven points. With quarterback Daniel Jones scrambling outside the pocket, Bland read the play perfectly and intercepted the pass, returning it 45 yards to the Giants' 22-yard line. The Cowboys capitalized on the turnover with a touchdown that tied the game.

Bland's second interception came in the fourth quarter with the Cowboys clinging to a one-point lead. This time, he hauled in a poorly thrown pass intended for Kenny Golladay, effectively ending the game.

Jones Backtracks on Preseason Criticism

In the preseason, Jones had publicly criticized Bland, who was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Fresno State. Jones questioned Bland's athleticism and experience, suggesting that he was not ready to contribute at the NFL level.

However, after Bland's impressive performance on Thanksgiving, Jones was forced to eat his words. "I was wrong about DaRon Bland," he said in a post-game interview. "He has proven that he is a valuable asset to this team."

Bland's Future with the Cowboys

Bland's emergence has solidified his role as a starting safety for the Cowboys. He has played in all 12 games this season, intercepting three passes and defending five others. His ability to generate turnovers and create opportunities for the defense has made him a key contributor.

With the Cowboys sitting at 8-3 and in contention for a playoff spot, Bland's play will be crucial down the stretch. If he continues to perform at a high level, he could become one of the breakout stars of the NFL in 2022.