Bryant's fire good for 49ers
San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan is glad Antonio Bryant is on his team, especially after Bryant's game on Sunday.
PAUL SAKUMA/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Last Updated: September 19, 2006, 05:38:29 AM PDT
SANTA CLARA — Antonio Bryant had just scored his first touchdown for the San Francisco 49ers on a spectacular 72-yard catch, and everybody wanted to talk about the ones that got away.
Bryant reacted angrily when quarterback Alex Smith overthrew him a few times in the first half of San Francisco's 20-13 win over the St. Louis Rams. The receiver gestured theatrically and stomped off the field, then later had an animated discussion with receivers coach Jerry Sullivan on the way to the locker room.
While the tantrums were delicious fodder for TV highlights and talk radio, the 49ers (1-1) don't see any problem with Bryant or his passion.
After all, they've employed another talented receiver wearing No. 81 who causes a whole lot more havoc than this.
"I don't know what receiver doesn't want the ball," Smith said. "A lot of people try to turn this into something. He's an emotional person and an emotional player. I don't have any problem with anything. We're good friends."
Bryant has been tough and elusive, a strong presence in the locker room — everything San Francisco wanted in a No. 1 receiver when he signed as a free agent in the offseason.
Coach Mike Nolan knew his team desperately needed a star receiver after attempting to play last season with Arnaz Battle, Brandon Lloyd and Johnnie Morton as its top three pass-catchers. Nolan figured Smith, the No. 1 pick in 2005, deserved better. "Antonio is a very competitive player, and that's one of the things we liked about him so much," Nolan said. "He does get animated at times, but it's all in the context of wanting to make the team better. He and I have our moments, but I'm darn glad he's here."
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