Bland should be highly considered but I doubt he is for a few reasons. However, before I list these reasons, let's understand that I'm not saying he doesn't deserve it. I am giving you my opinions on the reasons they will use to deny him. I am just the messenger, and only a potential one at that.
The first is that the voters tend to favor previously established players. Most of the time, they have made Pro Bowls and 1st team All Pro in previous seasons, like Gilmore, for example.
Secondly, when looking at the "signature" plays that earned recognition, they value relevance. How meaningful were these big plays in determining the outcome of games? The Cowboys led their opponents by an average of 21.4 points at the time of these pick-sixes. None were absolute game deciders. None of them switched the lead from the opponent to the Cowboys.
Thirdly, the voters tend to favor sack leaders although INT's are far more valuable, especially when they are returned for TD's. Only one of the last 12 DPOY's was a DB.
Fourth, and I know this to be true, there is some bias against the Cowboys as well as envy and resentment. For confirmation, consider the HOF and how long it took some very deserving players to get there.
