2011 Dallas Cowboys: What to Expect from WR Dez Bryant This Season

Dez Bryant’s rookie season was filled with spectacular plays, touchdowns, rookie mistakes, drama and injuries.

Although Bryant didn’t partake in training camp due to a high ankle sprain and only played three college football games during his final season at Oklahoma State due to suspension, Dez came into the NFL ready to play.

In 12 games, he totaled 45 receptions for 561 yards and six touchdowns. He added 15 punt returns for 215 yards and two touchdowns, and 12 kick returns for 293 yards.

This is a stellar stat line for any rookie wide receiver in the NFL, but with the injuries and the NCAA suspension hampering his progress, the Dallas Cowboys will expect much more this season.

Dez Bryant gets former Pro Bowl quarterback Tony Romo back in the lineup this year, which will not only make his stats more impressive, but could also thrust him into the “elite” category of NFL wide receivers.

Dez also has the luxury of Pro Bowl wide receiver Miles Austin lined up on the other side of the field. With a high caliber player like Austin, opposing defenses will only be able to double team one of the two receivers, which could lead to breakout games for the single covered player each week.

If you throw Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten in the mix, it will be very hard to stop all the talent Dallas has on offense this season, especially Bryant.

With a healthy Dez Bryant going into the season, the Cowboys can expect a big increase in his numbers and play making ability.

A goal of 1,000 yards and 10 total touchdowns seems like a logical goal for a young “star in the making” wide receiver with a Pro Bowl quarterback, opposite a Pro Bowl wide receiver and a Pro Bowl tight end.