Calvin Johnson set the standard for NFL wide receivers after his record breaking 2012 season. The Detroit Lions veteran became known as one of the best, raising the bar for others to reach. Now every receiver is playing catch up and trying to prove they are better than Megatron. Dez Bryant is certainly a great player in his own right, but Nate Burleson says there are no comparisons to Johnson.
Bryant made headlines recently after saying he can do anything Johnson can do. While the Dallas Cowboys receiver has nothing but respect for Johnson, he is ready to prove that he is also in a league by himself. This Sunday the two teams will face off and Bryant is ready to prove he is better.
"I believe I can do whatever he can do," Bryant said, via ESPNDallas.com. "I think it's just a pride thing. When it comes to football, just being on the field, it's a mindset and having a mentality. I honestly believe when I'm there, I'll be feeling like there's nothing I can't do. Whatever the coaches ask me to do, I'm going to do it. I always feel like there's more. I think that's just a mindset you're supposed to have."
Bryant certainly does not lack for confidence. Jerry Jones of course weighed in to say that he agreed with Bryant. The Cowboys owner wants his receivers to strive and be the best. One person not agreeing with Bryant is Johnson's teammate, Burleson. The Lions receiver simply laughed off the comparisons.
"Listen, I like Dez. I think he's one of the best receivers in the game right now," Burleson said, via the Dallas Morning News. "Very talented. Fast, big, strong. He possesses all the tools to possibly be as good as Calvin. But he's not Calvin Johnson. No way, no how. Sorry, Dez. Keep it real."
Bryant quickly responded on Twitter saying he must be extra careful with what he says. The numbers do not lie. Johnson is simply the best and the gold standard for receivers. Last season he put up 1,964 receiving yards. Bryant said in the offseason that he intends on becoming the first 2,000-yard receiver in history. First he should try and help the Cowboys make it to the playoffs.