ARLINGTON, Texas - Dez Bryant looked to be in mid-season form early Saturday night against the Baltimore Ravens.
In Bryant's first action of the preseason, he caught three passes for 59 yards and a touchdown.
But being on the field for only 14 plays wasn't enough for the Pro Bowl wide receiver.
"It wasn't really nothing," Bryant said. "It was a tease. I feel good mentally and physically. Other than that, I'm ready for the game. I'm ready for the real deal. [Tonight was] not the real deal to me."
It might not have been the real deal for Bryant, but he was the real deal midway through the first quarter, catching a 31-yard touchdown pass from Tony Romo.
Bryant perfectly timed a jump ball toss from Romo, snatching it out of the air as Baltimore defensive back Dominique Franks fell to the ground.
Romo later explained what he looks for when Bryant is single covered like he was on that particular play.
"Obviously with Dez Bryant, when he's looking at me and the DB is not, you want to make sure not to overthrow him," Romo said. "[Bryant will] finish the play."
"I think Dez played just like he's been practicing, almost consistently throughout training camp," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "He's made those kinds of plays. He's a force out there.
"He was really focused in the game and had a lot of energy. Dez has continued to work on saving his energy early so it'll be there late, and I think he's doing that."
Follow Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota
