This Sunday the Detroit Lions defeated the Dallas Cowboys in a remarkable last-second victory. However, Matthew Stafford’s game-saving heroics were not the subject of discussion after the game. The topic of greatest interest, both before and after Sunday’s matchup, was the competition between opposing wide-outs Calvin Johnson and Dez Bryant.
In an interview prior to the week eight games, Bryant stirred up controversy by stating his belief that he could do anything that Johnson could do. Comparisons between the two immediately emerged, with analysts and anchors alike attempting to place statistical evidence behind Bryant’s claim.
As if probably expected, it turns out that Bryant can’t do everything that the three-time pro-bowler can do. In past seasons, Johnson has played at a level far superior to Bryant, setting NFL records in total receiving yards in a single season and most 100-yard games in a single season (11). However, this year the two have been much more evenly matched. Coming into week 8, Bryant and Johnson had similar yards-per-reception metrics, with both also scoring six touchdowns in the season. It wasn’t until Sunday that Johnson separated himself significantly, putting on the most miraculous display of talent of his career.
Johnson finished Sunday’s game with 329 receiving yards on 14 receptions, the second most by a receiver in NFL history. Meanwhile, Bryant ended his day with only three receptions for 72 yards, a performance completed dwarfed by his media-designated “opponent”.
Looking more in depth, the differences between the two wide-outs can be seen to a greater extent. Based on QB statistics on the year, Bryant is being outplayed by Johnson despite being afforded better quarterback play. Tony Romo has played far better than Matthew Stafford this year, recording a higher completion percentage, scoring more touchdowns, and throwing less interceptions than the Detroit quarterback. Basically, Johnson is doing less with more as far as the abilities of his quarterback are concerned.
Bryant is a young player and an up-and-coming star receiver with probably a fantastic career ahead of him. But that’s not enough to compete with the legendary performance of Johnson, whom he claimed he could play just as well as. Johnson is simply the best in the NFL right now; the 28-year-old receiver has set countless records during his career and seems poised to even possibly improve more as time goes on.
Dez Bryant may be good, but he is no Calvin Johnson.