In light of Dez Bryant's release last week, it will only be natural for viewers of a soon-to-be-released "docuseries" that chronicles the Cowboys' 2017 season to scrub every second for indications the team would ultimately move on from its one-time superstar receiver.
Signs are there in "All or Nothing: The Dallas Cowboys," a Prime Original series produced by NFL Films. And the eight-episode show, available to be streamed in its entirety April 27 on Amazon, dives headfirst into the heart of the matter. It asks if Bryant is simply in a mid-career lull or a permanent decline. It captures his signature fire and growing frustration.
Yet the unfiltered dialogue and remarkable behind-the-scenes access doesn't necessarily surprise anyone who followed Bryant's eight-year career in Dallas.
What would be his last season with the Cowboys comes off as complicated, but that's not new.
His catches and drops, smiles and scowls have always been hyper-analyzed, but were simply part of the package before the 100-yard games and 1,000-yard seasons evaporated.
"We talk about his passion a lot," says now former receivers coach Derek Dooley during the documentary. "Dez wants to win as bad as anybody. And when Dez is at his best, there's no more fun player to coach than him. When he's not at his best, it can be challenging at times."
In the opening minutes, Bryant throws his arm around Jerry Jones at the team owner's over-the-top Hall of Fame party last August.
"This is our year," Bryant intones into Jones' ear.
Eight months later, Jones bade the franchise leader in touchdown receptions goodbye.
Bryant told the NFL Network last week he was a scapegoat for the team's offensive struggles and said some coaches and team captains played a role in his departure. Several teammates and coach Jason Garrett have since voiced praise for Bryant as a teammate and player.
Here are some storylines from All or Nothing that help detail how it got to this point.
(Warning: Spoilers ahead)
