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The Dallas Cowboys struggled to establish offensive consistency until late Sunday against the New York Giants, but that could be the least of their concerns as superstar receiver Dez Bryant broke a bone in his foot, per the NFL Network (via Doug Farrar of Sports Illustrated).
According to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Bryant is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.
"I'll be back soon but how about 9?", Bryant said as encouragement to Tony Romo after Dallas' 27-26 come-from-behind victory.
Continue for updates.
Bryant Taken to Locker Room in Second Half
Sunday, Sept. 13
Bryant went to the locker room multiple times during Sunday's contest, as Robinson noted. The Cowboys missed his presence on the field, and Tony Romo threw a critical fourth-quarter interception while the playmaker was on the sideline having his foot evaluated.
Even casual football fans understand how devastating of a blow it would be to the Dallas offense if Bryant is forced to miss extensive time. Not only is he the go-to guy for the Cowboys, but he is also one of the best receivers in the league. He topped 1,200 receiving yards and reached double-digit touchdown catches in each of the past three seasons despite frequently facing double-teams.
In homage to that talent, Michael Beller of Sports Illustrated called Bryant the top fantasy football receiver in a deep bunch at the position entering the 2015 campaign:
You could make an argument for at least four receivers in the top spot this season. I’d actually extend it to seven, but everyone can envision Bryant, Brown, Thomas or Odell Beckham Jr. finishing the season on top of the impressive group. For my money, Bryant enters the season as the best of arguably the most star-studded bunch in recent fantasy memory.
Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Devin Street, Lance Dunbar and Jason Witten must carry the load in the passing game with Bryant likely on the shelf for an extended period of time.
Witten is one of the most reliable pass-catchers in the league and topped 700 receiving yards in each of the last 11 years, including four seasons with over 1,000 yards. Williams and Street are both young options with speed and high ceilings, and Beasley is a shifty slot option who will take advantage of mismatches over the middle.
Don’t be surprised if Dallas focuses more on the rushing attack without Bryant, though, considering it finished second in the NFL in 2014 in total yardage on the ground behind a loaded offensive line. If it can control the clock and pick up chunks of yardage with the run, it can manage games even without the star receiver.
Still, Bryant’s presence alone helps the running game because defenses can ill-afford to leave him in single coverage and stack the box. He is too dangerous.
The Cowboys should survive his absence. Tony Romo is a proven quarterback, the offensive line is talented, and the other receivers are capable of making plays. It is impossible to replicate what Bryant does on the field in terms of statistics and opening up space for teammates, but Dallas has the pieces to remain competitive until he returns.
Read more Dallas Cowboys news on BleacherReport.com
Continue reading...
According to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Bryant is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.
"I'll be back soon but how about 9?", Bryant said as encouragement to Tony Romo after Dallas' 27-26 come-from-behind victory.
Continue for updates.
Bryant Taken to Locker Room in Second Half
Sunday, Sept. 13
Bryant went to the locker room multiple times during Sunday's contest, as Robinson noted. The Cowboys missed his presence on the field, and Tony Romo threw a critical fourth-quarter interception while the playmaker was on the sideline having his foot evaluated.
Even casual football fans understand how devastating of a blow it would be to the Dallas offense if Bryant is forced to miss extensive time. Not only is he the go-to guy for the Cowboys, but he is also one of the best receivers in the league. He topped 1,200 receiving yards and reached double-digit touchdown catches in each of the past three seasons despite frequently facing double-teams.
In homage to that talent, Michael Beller of Sports Illustrated called Bryant the top fantasy football receiver in a deep bunch at the position entering the 2015 campaign:
You could make an argument for at least four receivers in the top spot this season. I’d actually extend it to seven, but everyone can envision Bryant, Brown, Thomas or Odell Beckham Jr. finishing the season on top of the impressive group. For my money, Bryant enters the season as the best of arguably the most star-studded bunch in recent fantasy memory.
Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Devin Street, Lance Dunbar and Jason Witten must carry the load in the passing game with Bryant likely on the shelf for an extended period of time.
Witten is one of the most reliable pass-catchers in the league and topped 700 receiving yards in each of the last 11 years, including four seasons with over 1,000 yards. Williams and Street are both young options with speed and high ceilings, and Beasley is a shifty slot option who will take advantage of mismatches over the middle.
Don’t be surprised if Dallas focuses more on the rushing attack without Bryant, though, considering it finished second in the NFL in 2014 in total yardage on the ground behind a loaded offensive line. If it can control the clock and pick up chunks of yardage with the run, it can manage games even without the star receiver.
Still, Bryant’s presence alone helps the running game because defenses can ill-afford to leave him in single coverage and stack the box. He is too dangerous.
The Cowboys should survive his absence. Tony Romo is a proven quarterback, the offensive line is talented, and the other receivers are capable of making plays. It is impossible to replicate what Bryant does on the field in terms of statistics and opening up space for teammates, but Dallas has the pieces to remain competitive until he returns.
Read more Dallas Cowboys news on BleacherReport.com
Continue reading...