Dallas Cowboys Comeback Comes at Massive Cost with Injury to Dez Bryant

The Dallas Cowboys earned a dramatic win over the New York Giants Sunday night, but it wasn't all celebration in the locker room after the game. The team learned star wide receiver Dez Bryant will miss an extended period of time due to a foot injury.

ESPN's Ed Werder reported the extent of the injury:

While there are certainly fantasy owners crying about their ruined season, the real issue is how the Cowboys will handle this type of loss.

Bryant has undoubtedly been one of the NFL's top receivers over the past three years, averaging 91 catches, 1,312 receiving yards and 13.7 touchdowns per season. He has prototypical size and athleticism that make him a quarterback's best friend, and he knows how to make plays once the ball is in his hands.

There is a reason the Cowboys agreed to give the 26-year-old player an extension worth $70 million over five years.

No matter what type of defense you are trying to run, Bryant has the tools to beat you. Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram explained how valuable the receiver would have been on the final drive against the New York Giants:

Obviously, Tony Romo didn't need his No. 1 target, as he used checkdowns to move up the field before finding Jason Witten in the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown. Despite a pair of fluky interceptions, the quarterback was excellent Sunday night, with 356 passing yards and three touchdowns.

Even Bryant was thrilled about his quarterback's play after the game while reassuring fans:

Using the same type of offense, the Cowboys will be able to score just as well going forward. The Week 1 win featured a lot of short, quick passes to steadily move the ball, a strategy that doesn't necessarily need a player of Bryant's caliber. This could be a dominant attack on its own if they could just avoid the turnovers and finish when in the red zone. 

That said, the offense clearly won't be as strong without the game-changing player. Terrance Williams can step up, while Cole Beasley comes through in the slot, but no one else on the roster has Bryant's physical presence. There are zero receiving targets capable of winning a one-on-one matchup against a top cornerback or jump ball in the end zone, two areas where Bryant excels.

Tim Sharp/Associated Press

With DeMarco Murray no longer on the roster, the Cowboys were already coming into the year looking to make up for a lot of production. Joseph Randle ran well at times against the Giants, but it is clear there is a drop-off in talent. Now that the offense has to replace another Pro Bowler, it could be in trouble.

The next month features a number of opponents with high-powered offenses, meaning Dallas will have to score a lot of points to come away with wins. The Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots will all provide unique challenges before the Week 6 bye.

Everyone on the Cowboys offense will have to step up if it wants to survive this difficult stretch without one of its top players.

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