IRVING, Texas -- So, how many receivers on the Cowboys’ roster does Rob Ryan consider better than A.J. Green?

“That’d be none,” Ryan said with a laugh, refusing to take the bait. “And we’ve got some good ones. I’m not going there. I don’t think so.”

For those who don’t recall, Ryan made the ridiculous claim before last season’s meeting with the Lions that the Cowboys had two receivers better than Detroit’s Calvin Johnson. That predictably blew up in Ryan’s face when Johnson scored two late touchdowns in the Lions’ crazy comeback win.

The Bengals’ Green, the fourth overall pick last year, is one of the few receivers in the NFL who are close to Johnson’s class. Green is tied for the league lead with 10 touchdown catches and ranks sixth in both receptions (76) and yards (1,107).

Green is obviously the best under-25 receiver in the NFL. Or is he?

“I don’t want to answer that question,” Dez Bryant said. “He’s nice, I’ll give you that. He’s good. He’s real good. He’s real talented, very explosive, makes plays, clutch.”

That description fits Bryant’s recent performance, too. After blowing up the last four games, Bryant also ranks among the NFL’s top 10 in catches (71), receiving yards (978) and touchdown receptions (eight).

Bryant admitted that the presence of Green in the same stadium Sunday will pump his competitive juices just a bit more. While Bryant’s focus is on helping the Cowboys win, Bryant wants people to think of him when discussing the NFL’s elite receivers.

“It ain’t about proving,” Bryant said. “I don’t want to prove myself to nobody. I just want people to already know this is what it is.”

Sunday presents Bryant a chance to make a statement with a stud receiver on the opposing sideline.