Troubled Browns receiver showing signs of maturity
By Carlos "Big C" Holmes
For the Dayton Daily News
The story of Cleveland Browns WR Antonio Bryant and the controversy that surrounds him is one that has been told like a tall tale around a campfire. From his playing days at the University of Pittsburgh where reports of sideline temper tantrums and off-the-field problems plagued him, to the pros where he was kicked out of Cowboys practice after arguing with coaches. His character issues eventually landed him in Cleveland via trade, and he's looking to make a fresh start.
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Drafted by Dallas in the second round in 2002, Bryant enters his fourth year not having lived up to his potential. In three seasons, he has accumulated 141 receptions for 2,095 yards and 12 touchdowns, which are decent numbers for an average receiver, but for a one-time Biletnikoff Award winner and consensus All-American, more is expected.
The blame for lack of numbers doesn't fall solely on the shoulders of the once-dominant receiver. In his defense, he has had to deal with some adversity in his short career.
"Every year I have been in the league I've gone through changes," Bryant said. "My first year, I had (Dave) Campo, the next year we got Bill (Parcells), and the next year I had Bill for a half a season. I came here with Butch (Davis) and his staff, and now this year I have Romeo (Crennel). So every year I'm looking for continuity, a consistent offense, a consistent quarterback, that's all."
The Browns made several changes over the off-season to insure that there will be some consistency on offense. Bringing in veteran QB Trent Dilfer should help the team's cause tremendously.
Known primarily for his playmaking ability in college, Bryant remains optimistic that he can be the same playmaker at the pro level.
"I make plays when given the opportunity," he said. "It's just all about taking advantage of how many opportunities present themselves. The best way to make opportunities is be consistent in practice and just be humble, and when it comes it's kind of like a flow. They just keep bringing it to you because they depend on you. Until then, you can do only as much as you can do."
Everyone in the league knows what the volatile receiver is capable of while on the field; however, it's the things that take place while off the field that are cause for concern. Although Bryant has been a model citizen for the Browns thus far, there are still those who feel that it's just a matter of time before the outspoken receiver erupts like Mt. St. Helens. Those nonbelievers may be waiting a long time to see the eruption because, according to Bryant, he has put all the negatives behind him.
"As long as you're doing something, somebody is going to have something to say," he said. "If I was doing nothing I would just be another guy in the locker room with a number. I'm trying to do something here so there are going to be some things said. When you shake some things up some people don't always agree with that. But if you look at it, that's how people are made. You know, the people who aren't afraid to stand up for what they believe in and go against the grain and get things done."
Bryant was one mellow fellow in the locker room during minicamp and may just be misunderstood because of the passion that he has for the game. He welcomes the challenge of being a leader as well as leading the offense to prominence. That being said, his maturity level appears to be reaching heights needed for him to be recognized for his performance on the field rather than off.
