Deeper Look: Dez Bryant vs. Giants DB’s

Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The G-Men put the clamps down on Dez Bryant in week one, limiting him to 22 yards on four receptions (eight targets). All of Bryant’s targets were underneath throws, with a mixture of slants, curls and crosses. His long grab was seven yards, with just eight yards coming after the catch. Suffice it to say, the Giants primary objective was to prevent explosive plays from Bryant, and let Romo pepper the other receiving options: 12 targets for Miles Austin, 10 for DeMarco Murray out of the backfield and 9 for Jason Witten. The plan worked on September 8, 2013 — bit historically, the results haven’t been quite as rewarding. Let’s take a peek into the past at Dez Bryant’s battles with current Giants defensive backs.

Versus Terrell Thomas: 9 targets | 6 receptions | 143 yards | two touchdowns

Versus Corey Webster: 23 targets | 14 receptions | 203 yards | one touchdown

Versus Antrel Rolle: 5 targets | 3 receptions | 123 yards | one touchdown

In seven career games against New York, Bryant has 27 catches for 495 yards (71 per game) and four TD’s. 213 of his receiving yards, or 43%, have been YAC. That robust percentage is not overly surprising, given that he’s a physical beast with slick moves and extraordinary change of direction. However, the Giants personnel should be familiar with the task at this point. If they want to walk off the field 5-6 on Sunday evening, they’ll once again have bodies waiting to pounce on Bryant when ball meets paw. Beware: the emergence of rookie deep threat Terrance Williams could complicate preconceived plans…

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