It’s been a frustrating season for Dez Bryant, and he admitted Wednesday that the Dallas Cowboys’ scheme was partly to blame.
Bryant said he still feels that he’s an elite receiver, and thinks his role in the offense has been unfairly diminished. He also admitted, however, that he has let things get to him more than he probably should.
What bothered Dez Bryant mentally?: "Me personally just wanting to do different things. Probably at the time I should have focused on what I could control. I let a lot of things get in the way. I wish I didn't. I feel like that affected, I know for a fact, some of my play."
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) December 27, 2017
Asked if Dez Bryant is talking about frustration with his role in the offense, he said, "I guess you could say that." Or running different routes?: "Yeah, running different routes. One thing I hate hearing is when I hear people say I can't run routes."
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) December 27, 2017
Dez Bryant: "Some of the film I see, damn, I'm running routes a lot better than this person and this person. It's all about the opportunities. Hey, it is what it is. Hey, I'm Dez Bryant baby all day."
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) December 27, 2017
Bryant said he wants to remain with the Cowboys, but he made clear that taking a pay cut is not on his radar.
Dez Bryant said he would discuss his feelings & frustrations w/ owner Jerry Jones, HC Jason Garrett & OC Scott Linehan in offseason. Made it clear he wants to stay w/ Cowboys. “I’m a Texas boy.”
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) December 27, 2017
Dez Bryant asked if Cowboys come to him and ask him to take a pay cut in offseason is he fine with that: "I haven't heard no talks of that, but if it comes … I don't know, probably not. Hell, no. I believe in me, yeah."
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) December 27, 2017
Statistically, Bryant is having an underwhelming season. He has just six touchdowns and, barring a massive performance in the season finale, will fall short of 1,000 yards receiving. He has repeatedly denied chemistry issues with Dak Prescott are a factor, but it’s quite clear that he believes he can offer the Cowboys more than they’ve been getting from him.
