High Ankle Sprain Won’t Hurt Dez Bryant’s Chances for Rookie of the Year
[picappgallerysingle id="2256049"]This article was originally posted to evaluate Cowboys’ wide receiver Dez Bryant’s chances of winning Offensive Rookie of the Year this season. Just after I had completed the draft, I got the news Bryant suffered a high ankle sprain during practice yesterday. On the second-to-last play of the afternoon, Bryant got tangled up with cornerback Orlando Scandrick and was very slow to get up. After an MRI, Dallas trainers say Bryant will miss 4-6 weeks, which means all of the Cowboys’ five preseason games. This means Bryant will not have those exhibitions to build game-speed chemistry with quarterback Tony Romo. However, Bryant is only out for the preseason, not the regular season, so we will still evaluate his 2010 rookie season.
There is probably not as much buzz surrounding any one player as Bryant heading into 2010. This injury only furthers that hype, with the speculation on his being physically and mentally ready when the regular season begins. Bryant’s buzz comes with him having all the makings of a successful NFL talent; he has great size at 6’2” and 215 pounds, an easy and catchy name, a flashy style of play that is popular today, and just enough off-the-field history to draw all kinds of media attention, sports-related and not. Bryant has drawn an immediate fan following from the Dallas faithful and this injury will only increase that popularity.
The Cowboys immediately named the 2008 Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year their new punt returner upon his drafting in April. An electrifying talent, Bryant was expected to make an immediate impact at that position, if not also at receiver. Patrick Crayton has temporarily retaken over that position, but Bryant will reclaim his new perch as soon as he is able. A high ankle sprain means it will take at least the whole 4-6 weeks for him to get back to that dazzling change-of-direction elusiveness that made him a weapon on offense and special teams. Instead of the immediate impact at the very beginning of the season, this injury could prove beneficial if Bryant provides a spark of energy 3 or 4 weeks into the season.
[picappgallerysingle id="1876820"]Bryant is technically the third receiver on the Cowboys’ depth chart, but he will not see as much time in the slot as a typical number three pass-catcher. With a playing-style similar to Houston’s Andre Johnson, Bryant is better suited on the outside. Likewise, Roy Williams will line up opposite Bryant with Pro Bowler Miles Austin manning the slot. As the team’s top receiver, it’s uncharacteristic for Austin to occupy that role, but the strategy will better exploit his game. Also, the middle man in a three-receiver set rarely draws double teams, which means Austin would see plenty of single coverage. This is also good news for Bryant, which means he will also draw one-on-one coverage. That single coverage will be by number two corners at best, and most likely mismatched safeties. Expect the Dallas offense to resemble the Colts’ on obvious passing downs. With the three receivers, solid tight end Jason Witten, and any of the three studs as the lone back, Romo will have Peyton Manning-like throwing options around him.
Even though Austin will man the slot, any conference-leading receiver will draw plenty of attention from opposing secondaries. Regardless of the hype surrounding Bryant, he will not draw near the coverage he deserves. This is great for anyone pro-Cowboys. Against guys like the Jaguars’ Rashean Mathis, Bryant will have a field day. Aside from teams like Jacksonville, the Cowboys have a very tough schedule this year, but that’s a plus for Bryant. The big-hype games like Thanksgiving against the Saints will see a ton of attention paid to high-profile players like Austin. Bryant will have huge games against other division winners like Minnesota and Indianapolis. Big games against great teams bode well for Rookie of the Year recognition. Regardless of the injury, Bryant will definitely garner that consideration.
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[...] did not practice on Monday, but he did run and make cuts on his right ankle that he sprained during training camp on July 30. He wasn’t allowed to run full speed or work against a defender, [...]
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[...] pick Dez Bryant could join them. The Oklahoma State product has recovered faster than expected from a high ankle sprain he suffered in training camp at the end of July. Hopefully he will be the missing piece to the [...]
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[...] to remove loose cartilage in his right knee; Kosier will miss time due to a strained MCL; and Bryant suffered a high ankle sprain during training camp, even before the exhibitions started. The Cowboys’ first regular season game [...]
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