Good lord I hate numbers nerds. I'm with Iamtdg, just watch the game. If you think Laurent Robinson is in or has ever been in the same stratosphere as Dez, you're a fucking simp.
You hate numbers because you hate facts that challenge the opinion you have based on a flawed perception.
Most fans can't remember more than 3 or 4 plays in a game a month later. Their opinions are based on a skewed perspective that puts too much emphasis on those plays and far too little on the critical plays that got the team to the point where they could make that memorable play.
Typical fans will remember the great 50 yard TD pass at the end of a game but they won't remember the critical 3rd and 2 play just before by a courageous RB that threw himself at a defensive line to get the extra inch and keep that drive alive for that great play to happen.
They don't remember the LB's tackle of the opponent's Pro Bowl RB behind the line that ended their drive and gave the offense one more opportunity to win the game.
Dez Bryant lined up with a quarterback was ranked #1 in the league last season. The offensive line is being projected as one of the best in NFL history. Another receiver on that team will be in the Hall of Fame, the best TE in Cowboy history. The running back broke a 50 year old record held by a legendary RB. He's not Emmitt Smith, that is for certain. He just passed Emmitt up for most yardage in a single Cowboy season, this broken, mediocre player that doesn't deserve a serious contract.
This is one instance in which I cannot refer to statistics to measure the loss of the #1 ranked RB last season to another team. No data exists because it will be the first time in 60 years that the #1 ranked RB played for a different team the following season.
No, it's Dez Bryant that should be paid. I agree that he is a great one, but he is a great among greats. Even so, for now he is remembered by most NFL fans for the catches he ALMOST made.