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By DAVID MOORE / The Dallas Morning News
dmoore@dallasnews.com
IRVING – Dez Bryant stood for more than 10 minutes and calmly explained why he's not all that calm during games.
Cameras captured an emotional outburst on the Cowboys sideline in the fourth quarter of the Thanksgiving Day loss to New Orleans. On Wednesday, the rookie wanted to clear up any misconceptions. His passion was not directed at any one individual or the fact he was held without a catch for the first time this season.
"It was a miscommunication on the play that we had," Bryant said. "That's all it was. It's very frustrating when some folks get it the wrong way or put it out the wrong way without hearing from the guy first.
"After the first quarter, I already knew how I was being played and knew how I was going to get played throughout the game. Me not touching the ball was not a factor. I knew how they were playing me. There was nothing I could do about it, there was nothing anybody else could do about it except try to get through it."
Interim coach Jason Garrett said he doesn't believe Bryant's emotional display in that game was a distraction or a negative.
Bryant admits he's emotional about everything. He said there's nothing wrong with that and it helps him perform. The receiver feels he doesn't allow his passion to disrupt his focus.
"I feel like it doesn't affect the way I play," Bryant said. "If I get mad about one thing, I know I'll just get that out, especially when it's time to go back on the field.
"That's my job right there. That's what I've got to focus on. Whatever just happened, I'll let that stay behind and focus on the next thing."
Receivers coach Ray Sherman and running back Tashard Choice are the people Bryant will speak to on the sidelines when he feels his emotions getting away from him. They tell him to be careful so media and fans won't take it the wrong way.
"I'm just a person who loves to play the game," Bryant said. "Like I said, like Coach Garrett said, you've got to have emotion, passion and a lot of enthusiasm to play this game.
"That's just how it is."
Bad Peyton? Don't bet on it: The Cowboys face a Peyton Manning most teams don't see.
The Indianapolis quarterback is in a slump. Manning has thrown seven interceptions in the last two games, the worst back-to-back stretch of his NFL career. The Colts lost both games.
The Cowboys do not find that information comforting.
"What he has done the last two weeks means nothing," linebacker Keith Brooking said. "He's the best quarterback in this league. We know he's going to come out there on Sunday and be on top of his game."
Briefly: Running back Marion Barber (calf strain) and linebackers Bradie James (knee) and Brooking (foot) missed their second consecutive day of practice. It is unlikely Barber will play Sunday. Brooking expects to practice today and said he will play. James is also expected to be ready for the game. ... One day after owner Jerry Jones said that Choice hasn't gotten more chances to run the ball because he needs to be better on special teams, the running back kept a low profile. "It's best that I not say anything," Choice said. ... The Cowboys played musical tight end, releasing Southlake Carroll product Scott Chandler so they could elevate Martin Rucker to the active roster.
dmoore@dallasnews.com
IRVING – Dez Bryant stood for more than 10 minutes and calmly explained why he's not all that calm during games.
Cameras captured an emotional outburst on the Cowboys sideline in the fourth quarter of the Thanksgiving Day loss to New Orleans. On Wednesday, the rookie wanted to clear up any misconceptions. His passion was not directed at any one individual or the fact he was held without a catch for the first time this season.
"It was a miscommunication on the play that we had," Bryant said. "That's all it was. It's very frustrating when some folks get it the wrong way or put it out the wrong way without hearing from the guy first.
"After the first quarter, I already knew how I was being played and knew how I was going to get played throughout the game. Me not touching the ball was not a factor. I knew how they were playing me. There was nothing I could do about it, there was nothing anybody else could do about it except try to get through it."
Interim coach Jason Garrett said he doesn't believe Bryant's emotional display in that game was a distraction or a negative.
Bryant admits he's emotional about everything. He said there's nothing wrong with that and it helps him perform. The receiver feels he doesn't allow his passion to disrupt his focus.
"I feel like it doesn't affect the way I play," Bryant said. "If I get mad about one thing, I know I'll just get that out, especially when it's time to go back on the field.
"That's my job right there. That's what I've got to focus on. Whatever just happened, I'll let that stay behind and focus on the next thing."
Receivers coach Ray Sherman and running back Tashard Choice are the people Bryant will speak to on the sidelines when he feels his emotions getting away from him. They tell him to be careful so media and fans won't take it the wrong way.
"I'm just a person who loves to play the game," Bryant said. "Like I said, like Coach Garrett said, you've got to have emotion, passion and a lot of enthusiasm to play this game.
"That's just how it is."
Bad Peyton? Don't bet on it: The Cowboys face a Peyton Manning most teams don't see.
The Indianapolis quarterback is in a slump. Manning has thrown seven interceptions in the last two games, the worst back-to-back stretch of his NFL career. The Colts lost both games.
The Cowboys do not find that information comforting.
"What he has done the last two weeks means nothing," linebacker Keith Brooking said. "He's the best quarterback in this league. We know he's going to come out there on Sunday and be on top of his game."
Briefly: Running back Marion Barber (calf strain) and linebackers Bradie James (knee) and Brooking (foot) missed their second consecutive day of practice. It is unlikely Barber will play Sunday. Brooking expects to practice today and said he will play. James is also expected to be ready for the game. ... One day after owner Jerry Jones said that Choice hasn't gotten more chances to run the ball because he needs to be better on special teams, the running back kept a low profile. "It's best that I not say anything," Choice said. ... The Cowboys played musical tight end, releasing Southlake Carroll product Scott Chandler so they could elevate Martin Rucker to the active roster.
