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As the 2015 training camp approaches for the Dallas Cowboys, I think it’s safe to assume that All Pro Dez Bryant’s spot as the No. 1 receiver for the team is well secured. He is coming off of his third straight season of having at least 88 receptions for at least 1200 receiving yards and a minimum of 12 touchdowns. He continues to be a nightmare matchup for opposing cornerbacks and safeties and it doesn’t appear as if he will slow down anytime soon.
He uses every bit of the strength and size to create space from smaller defenders; and it’s because he is only entering his sixth season as a pro that the Cowboys are expecting even more from this beast who routinely throws up the X in the end zone.
He is still learning the nuances of the position when it comes to route running, creating separation, and footwork; and perfecting these skills will be his main points of focus as he enters training camp this season. He will also need to be present this camp to help the young receiving core of the Cowboys get adjusted to the rigors of the NFL; just because they had some success last year doesn’t necessarily mean that it will translate to success this season. So the Cowboys will definitely lean on him in that regard to help get Terrance Williams’ career back on track and to help elevate the up and coming Cole Beasley’s game to yet another level.
All of his teammates, not just his fellow receivers, feed off of the energy and effort he brings to each and every practice and this leading by example is exactly what makes him the emotional leader of the team. Head coach Jason Garrett is relying on Bryant to be one of the players to not only help set the tone for their practices but to also help relay his expectations for his players for this upcoming season. So as you can see, Bryant is expected to take on a much bigger role with the team this year.
The main issue facing both Bryant and the Cowboys however is whether or not they will have come to an agreement on a long term deal before training camp starts next month.
He is threatening to not only skip camp but to also miss regular season games if they do not reach an agreement by the July 15 deadline. But he has repeatedly shown this offseason that both his passion for the game and his love for his teammates will not allow him to stay away.
The Cowboys are notorious for waiting until the week of the deadline to sign their players to whatever deal is necessary to get them on the field and I fully expect Bryant to be signed and leading the team in Oxnard, California once July 30 arrives.
Kelly Anderson is a blogger for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @bgipp01 or add him to your network on Google.
