Dez Bryant Comments on Matchup Against Josh Norman, Redskins

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant isn't afraid of Josh Norman.

Despite struggling to the tune of one catch for eight yards in the season opener against the New York Giants, Bryant is looking forward to facing Norman and the Washington Redskins in Week 2. 

"I want the challenge just like (Redskins corner Josh Norman) wants the challenge," Bryant said Thursday, per Nick Shook of NFL.com. "It's going to be a fun game Sunday. Mutual respect from each other. We're just going to go out there and put on a good game. It's not about me or him, it's about each other's team."

The two All-Pro players battled last season when Norman was a member of the Carolina Panthers. Bryant finished the game with just two catches for 26 yards on eight targets.

Of course, Norman has come under heat this week for his effort in Week 1. Despite signing a $75 million deal with the Redskins in the offseason, the cornerback didn't shadow top receiver Antonio Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He instead mostly stayed on his side of the field while teammate Bashaud Breeland spent most of the time covering the Pro Bowler.

Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus provided the breakdown:

After the Redskins' struggles in containing the Steelers offense, Bryant expects to see more one-on-one coverage against Norman in Week 2.

"Yeah, just because he was talking about going against the No. 1 receiver, following the No. 1 receiver," Bryant said, per Shook. "I'm pretty sure he's going to get that opportunity Sunday."

Now it will be up to both players to prove they can still compete at a high level.

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