Cowboys coach sees maturation process in Dez Bryant

Cowboys WR Dez Bryant has matured as a player, says Dallas coach Jason Garrett. (US Presswire)

In the last four games, no Cowboys player has been as exciting, as productive or as clutch as WR Dez Bryant.

He doesn't just have 29 catches for 475 yards and six touchdowns, but they've all occurred at huge moments.

Bryant has made game-tying catches, go-ahead grabs in the games leading up to Sunday, and he had two big scoring receptions in the second half that tied the game and then gave the Cowboys a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

So why the change in Bryant? Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said there are too many to count, starting with his patience on the field.

“I think in so many ways Dez has matured, and I think that's one of the ways,” Garrett said. “I think his preparation throughout the week has gotten better. I think he's understanding more and more how to practice well and allow that practice work to show up in the ballgame. I think he's just been more consistent throughout the game, whether he gets the ball or whether he doesn't get the ball, running his routes, doing his job. And I think the patience and the composure that he had early on in the ball game when he wasn't getting the ball is another sign of that maturity.”

Bryant had just one catch in the first half, and in the past, a slow start for him personally has often lingered throughout the game.

“I just have to realize that sometimes it takes a little time for us to get clicking,” Bryant said. “I trust Tony is going to find us. He's a great quarterback, and he'll get us the ball.”

This year, Bryant has already established career-highs in three categories: catches (71), receiving yards (978) and touchdowns (eight).

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