9 Fantasy Football Studs Who Started Slow in Week 1: Will They Rebound?

Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys

Tony Romo was off all day and Dez Bryant allegedly dealt with cramps throughout much of their contest against the 49ers. He posted only four receptions for 55 yards on six targets, and had the check himself out of the game several times for unknown reasons. While even the best athletes can suffer from cramps (we see you, LeBron), it was odd to see happen so early in the temperature controlled stadium.

The bigger concern is based on the misconception that a bad Dallas defense will simply lead to more opportunities for Romo, Bryant and the Cowboys passing game. In reality, when a defense knows exactly what is coming, it becomes a lot easier for them to neutralize the explosive plays that would elevate Dez Bryant from a good wide receiver to a dominant one. He posted a rather below average Reception NEP score of 2.60 as the entire offense struggled to find a rhythm.

Dallas was down 21-3 after the first 11 minutes of the game, essentially eliminating the effective use of play action that might have opened up the deep plays to Bryant. With the Cowboys defense looking just as bad as many predicted it would be, Dallas will likely continue to operate from behind. And while that could lead to additional targets for Bryant, his efficiency and explosiveness will be hampered by the ability of defenders to ignore the running game and focus on the passing game. Based on our metrics, Dallas was the 22nd ranked offense in Passing NEP, which is far from the juggernaut offense you would have expected to see.

Recommendation: Hydration issues aside, if Dallas continues to cede points and possessions at this rate, I’m not sure we are looking at the top two or three wide receiver many thought they were getting when they drafted Bryant. He still has the talent to do a lot of damage, but he doesn’t look capable of leading the NFL in receiving, as many predicted he could. Still, owners will hold him as he is still a top eight or so wide receiver.