Dez Bryant, the former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver known for his outspoken nature, ignited social media this week with his commentary on the NFC East landscape, particularly focusing on the New York Giants’ decision to let Saquon Barkley walk in free agency and the Dallas Cowboys’ promotion of Brian Schottenheimer to offensive coordinator. Bryant’s remarks stemmed from Barkley’s explosive 60-yard touchdown run in the NFC Championship game against the Washington Commanders, a play that highlighted the Giants’ glaring mistake in letting their star running back depart for a divisional rival. Bryant’s succinct yet impactful tweet captured the sentiment of many Giants fans: “The Giants have got to be sick; I don’t care what anyone says.”
The irony of Barkley’s success in Philadelphia, juxtaposed against the Giants’ struggles in the run game, further fueled Bryant’s critique. Barkley, an MVP candidate in his first season with the Eagles, fell just short of achieving the greatest single-season rushing performance in NFL history, while the Giants ranked a dismal 23rd in rushing yardage. This stark contrast underscores the magnitude of the Giants’ misjudgment, a decision that will likely haunt them for years to come. The breakdown in the relationship between Barkley and the Giants, partly attributed to Barkley’s injury history, culminated in the team’s reluctance to commit to him financially, a decision that ultimately benefited their rivals and left the Giants scrambling to fill a gaping hole in their offense.
Bryant, having spent eight seasons with the Cowboys, possesses an intimate understanding of the NFC East dynamics. His All-Pro performance in 2014 and three Pro Bowl selections provide him with a unique perspective on the inner workings of the division. His familiarity with both the Giants and the Cowboys allows him to offer insightful, albeit often blunt, assessments of their respective situations. His criticism of the Giants’ handling of Barkley resonated with fans who shared his frustration over the team’s apparent mismanagement of a generational talent.
Shifting his focus to his former team, Bryant expressed his disapproval of the Cowboys’ decision to promote Brian Schottenheimer to offensive coordinator, a move that he viewed with suspicion. His tweet, “Somebody is getting sabotaged,” hinted at a perceived internal conflict within the Cowboys organization, suggesting that the decision was driven by factors other than merit. Despite Schottenheimer’s contributions to the Cowboys’ offensive success over the past three years, including leading the league in scoring in 2023, Bryant seemed unconvinced of his suitability for the role. This skepticism was further fueled by the fact that Schottenheimer wasn’t initially considered a leading candidate for the position, despite eventually landing an interview.
Bryant’s public pronouncements extended beyond personnel decisions, touching upon broader organizational philosophies. He had previously championed the hiring of Deion Sanders as the Cowboys’ next head coach, advocating for a candidate with proven leadership and a track record of success. He contrasted this preference with what he perceived as the Cowboys’ tendency to prioritize internal politics over winning, citing Dan Quinn’s success in turning around the Washington Commanders as a prime example. Quinn, who had previously served as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, transformed a struggling Commanders team into a playoff contender, a feat that Bryant believed highlighted the importance of prioritizing merit over internal connections.
Bryant’s vocal criticism of both the Giants and the Cowboys reflects his deep-seated passion for the NFC East and his desire to see both teams succeed, albeit with the Cowboys ultimately prevailing. His comments, while sometimes controversial, provide a glimpse into the complexities of team management and the often-conflicting priorities that influence personnel decisions. His ongoing commentary serves as a reminder that the NFL is not just a game, but a complex ecosystem where player movements and coaching appointments can have profound and lasting consequences for the teams involved. His words resonate with fans who share his frustration with perceived mismanagement and his longing for a return to winning ways.
