Is Bland better in the slot or on the outside?

[Cowboyny]

First of all, it is hard to evaluate Bland this season as he was dealing with a foot injury all year long that required surgery. He and all the corners has their struggles this season. Part of it is lack of pass rush, also playing more of a zone scheme in which they played a ton of press man in the past and lack of execution.

Since that Seattle game a few years back, Bland has really struggled. Now a lot has to do with getting hurt, where the Cowboys have an out in his contract after next season, but they have to determine where he fits best: in the slot or as an outside corner?

 

[big dog cowboy]

Good question. He looked better in the slot but the Cowboys have needed him outside more. With the horrible DC and no effective pass rush, it probably didn't matter where he lined up this year. Hopefully both those issues will be resolved this year and he can be put in the best position that suits his skills.

 

[Coogiguy03]

Slot and if he doesn't like it, move him to safety or punter!!!

 

[Cowboyny]

Good question. He looked better in the slot but the Cowboys have needed him outside more. With the horrible DC and no effective pass rush, it probably didn't matter where he lined up this year. Hopefully both those issues will be resolved this year and he can be put in the best position that suits his skills.

I heard their plan was to play him more in the slot this season, but injuries forced him outside. Bottom line is, either you have to fix your pass rush or scheme more pressures.

 

[buybuydandavis]

First of all, it is hard to evaluate Bland this season as he was dealing with a foot injury all year long that required surgery. He and all the corners has their struggles this season. Part of it is lack of pass rush, also playing more of a zone scheme in which they played a ton of press man in the past and lack of execution.

Since that Seattle game a few years back, Bland has really struggled. Now a lot has to do with getting hurt, where the Cowboys have an out in his contract after next season, but they have to determine where he fits best: in the slot or as an outside corner?

Bland's knack seem to be breaking on an out. Better to keep him outside.

 

[RonWashington]

He’s a very good slot corner . I want one of the two first rounders used on a physical cover corner to pair with Revel and move Bland back inside .

 

[Aven8]

Really good slot corner, but they aren’t paying him to do that anymore

 

[speedkilz88]

I think he's better in the slot but he's being paid to play the outside.

 

[My3Sons]

I think the OP poses an interesting question. A better question is why did we give him that contract while injured? The better play is to wait and see if his play is still at that level. Jerry is played for a sucker by agents all.the.time.

 

[Denim Chicken]

Bland has played both, obviously. Before his injury he played both pretty well. I believe he is a better slot than he is outside, but as others have stated he got paid like an outside corner.

Stats through 2023 (he was injured in '24):

DaRon Bland has played in 27 regular season games. During that time, he’s had:

- 92 tackles
- 11 interceptions
- 19 passes defended
- 4 defensive touchdowns
- 550 snaps in the slot
- 589 snaps on the outside

Where he stands among CBs in 2023:

- 1st in PFF defense grade (91.1)
- T-1st for top coverage grade (90.9)
- 1st in interceptions (6)
- 1st in passer rating allowed (29.1)

 

[stilltheguru]

Slot. Too low confidence of a player to be on the island.

 

[Cowboyny]

I think the OP poses an interesting question. A better question is why did we give him that contract while injured? The better play is to wait and see if his play is still at that level. Jerry is played for a sucker by agents all.the.time.

It is my understanding his contract has an out next season without much of a cap hit.

 

[ScipioCowboy]

He’s a boundary corner foremost. He’s best when he can use the sideline. He’s not a field corner.

 

[darthseinfeld]

First of all, it is hard to evaluate Bland this season as he was dealing with a foot injury all year long that required surgery. He and all the corners has their struggles this season. Part of it is lack of pass rush, also playing more of a zone scheme in which they played a ton of press man in the past and lack of execution.

Since that Seattle game a few years back, Bland has really struggled. Now a lot has to do with getting hurt, where the Cowboys have an out in his contract after next season, but they have to determine where he fits best: in the slot or as an outside corner?

He was pretty mediocre as a rookie in the slot. Thats the only time he played alot od snaps there before this year. I just dont think he skill set to be more than a passable slot CB. He is much better suited to the boundary

 

[darthseinfeld]

Bland has played both, obviously. Before his injury he played both pretty well. I believe he is a better slot than he is outside, but as others have stated he got paid like an outside corner.

Stats through 2023 (he was injured in '24):

DaRon Bland has played in 27 regular season games. During that time, he’s had:

- 92 tackles
- 11 interceptions
- 19 passes defended
- 4 defensive touchdowns
- 550 snaps in the slot
- 589 snaps on the outside

Where he stands among CBs in 2023:

- 1st in PFF defense grade (91.1)
- T-1st for top coverage grade (90.9)
- 1st in interceptions (6)
- 1st in passer rating allowed (29.1)

His rookie year is the year he played primarily the slot, he gave up catches on almost 75% of his targets. In 2023 he only played 104 out 887 snaps in the slot

 

[Cowboyny]

He was pretty mediocre as a rookie in the slot. Thats the only time he played alot od snaps there before this year. I just dont think he skill set to be more than a passable slot CB. He is much better suited to the boundary

Interesting as many have varying opinions about where he plays best at.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

I don’t even know anymore lol…I thought he was better in the slot but lately he’s getting cooked everywhere.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Interesting as many have varying opinions about where he plays best at.

His best football has been played on the boundry. Thats where he was an all pro. His rookie year he got picks playing the slot, but he also got picked on. I dont think he has the fluidity to excel in the slot

 

[RonWashington]

Was Blands one on one play against Arizona in the red zone where he fell down leaving the receiver wide open for a TD just a one off ? Or is he better suited in the slot where passes can more easily be contested and the defense is available to help . I don’t care where he’s “ paid to play “ you have to look at where is he effective .

 

[Whirlwin]

He’s better off with the slut I I mean slot