SPORTSDAY

Posted by Saint Jimmy @ 1:19 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

Gawd no. DeAngelo Hall is THE most overated player in the NFL. His teamate Mike Vick isn't far behind. I don't know how Hall makes the probowl. He can't shut down a light switch.

John Madden raved about him 2 years ago against TO. But TO still managed to have a solid game. Hall does make a couple "top plays" a year. But that certainly doesn't offset the countless times he gets toasted. He's a crybaby. He's a borderline thug. But for some reason people think he's a stud.

Posted by Bob Snotty @ 1:28 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

If you substitute "The Cowboys' Roy Williams" for "The Redskins' Sean Taylor" and you won't skip a bit. So I'm assuming that Taylor is on the list as well???

Posted by Darius @ 1:29 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

I don't think Roy is overrated at all. Everyone in the NFL knows his game, his strengths and his weaknesses. He gets recognition for the things he does well and torn apart for his mistakes. The fact that he goes to the pro-bowl every year just means that he has the respect of fans, players, and coaches as they ALL vote for the pro-bowl. I mean John Lynch went to the pro-bowl during his time in Tampa as an in the box style safety with big hits and the occasional int. How is Roy different than that? Do people expect more b/c he was a top 10 draft pick? Maybe, but he makes his fair share of plays every year, and whether he is making the killer hits over the middle or not, WR's know he's capable and do hear the footsteps...so sometimes the boxscore does not tell the whole story.

EDITOR'S NOTE: John Lynch didn't get caught out of position nearly as often as Williams.

Posted by JB @ 1:39 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

Roy Williams is awsome. He is a playmaker and can change the course of a game with his sole ability. Teams have to adjust their schemes because of him. That said, he will not always make THE play but will generally find a way to make up for his mistakes. Remeber against the Titans and Vince Young last year? He was exposed last season because there was no other quality secondary around him and he was forced to do more work that he should have. Let's hope that Coach Phillips utilizes his innate talent and surounds him with players and schemes that compliment his style of play. Overrated, nah, not at all.

Posted by scott @ 1:40 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

I did hear Schlereth say however that he thought the best offense of all time was the 90's cowboys and that every player on the offense was unstoppable. Even when he played against them he said he used to look at them warming up saying there was pro bowler after pro bowler out there and how was anyone going to beat them.

Posted by Hunter @ 1:57 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

I def agree DeAngelo Hall is THE most overrated player. How he gives up two TDs in one game against the Cowboys and makes the Pro Bowl over Terrence Newman who has given up 2 TDs in the last two years is beyond ,e.

Posted by Ric @ 2:01 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

Good one, Tim. Good one.

Posted by Cedric Alford @ 2:04 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

I don't think Roy Williams is the most overrated player. Instead, I feel that he was very deserving of his fame prior to the micromanagement of Bill Parcells. Given that Roy Williams played big time college ball and was able to translate that experience into an early NFL career that resulted in rules written to limit his abilities, I feel that his past speaks for itself. I do feel that Roy was unfairly targeted over the past few seasons as a person that could not cover. This was never his strong point, and I feel that it is amazing how many peopled changed the test midstream on Roy. It is tough for me to write this, as I am an Orangeblood, but I feel that this will be the year for Roy to show that he was not a fluke or one-hit wonder. I think moving Roy back closer to the line of scrimmage will accent his strengths and not take him out of the game. Obviously if Roy is burnt on a pass play that means that something went wrong before Roy. Let's wait to see how this year goes before calling the jury back in.

Hook 'em Horns \m/

Posted by dave j @ 2:05 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

OK, Roy may not be the most overrated, but he's certainly in the top 5. The criticism that he focuses more on hitting than solid play is accurate. He's like a home run hitter who strikes out a lot. Personally, I would prefer fewer big hits and more consistent coverage and being in position.

AND LOSE SOME WEIGHT!!!

Posted by Far Rider @ 2:07 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

Roy Williams overrated? I'm sure the guy lying on the ground after a patented Roy Williams love tap doesn't think that. Or anything probably.

Posted by Sean P @ 2:17 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

I still say the guy needs to lose some weight. He's too heavy to be chasing receivers, backs, and tight ends, especially when you consider he's out of position so often.

Why won't they make him lose 10-15 pounds?

Posted by Hanker @ 2:27 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

No.

Posted by Jason @ 2:42 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

You sportswriters are a despicable lot. It's pretty obvious that the reason you all pile on Roy Williams is because he is not "media-friendly."

Why should he be? Who wants to be cooperative with someone who laughs with him, congratulates him on a great game/season, then goes back to his typewriter and cranks out a vitriolic hatchet-piece against that same player?!

Is Roy Williams a complete football player? Absolutely not. But his play certainly doesn't warrant bashing by the news media day after day.

He doesn't like you...get over it!

Jason

EDITOR'S NOTE: So how exactly does that explain a former NFL player calling Williams the most overrated player in the league?

Posted by darius @ 2:55 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

Jon Lynch also had one of the best pressure Defenses playing in front of him. It's a lot easier to not be out of position when the QB has less time to survey the field and the D is designed to keep all plays in front of you.

Posted by Jeff G @ 2:58 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

A guy, by definition, can't be the most overrated NFL player when he is everybody's (save for many Cowboy fans) number one choice as the most overrated NFL player. I know he made the Pro Bowl, but no one else takes more heat for his shortcomings than Roy Williams.

Posted by rafe hollister @ 2:58 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

We will find out this year if he is overrated or not. How he responds to the new 3-4 will be one of the more interesting things to watch this year. His talent says he is capable of coming up big in this defense. Will He? We will see.

Ask me in January if he is overrated or not.

Posted by Izzy @ 2:59 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

The most overrated? Not sure.

Grossly overrated? You bet.

Without Darren Woodson telling him what to do out there he's lost. This ain't Oklahoma, and this ain't college ball. You can't just freelance and beat players with physical talent.

You need to perform within a system to win in the NFL. That means using your BRAIN. And don't blame Bill. Bill scheme didn't call for Roy to react slowly, take terrible angles, and pirouette under the deep ball instead of going up to grab an INT.

Worst of all he's thin-skinned. Instead of a guy with the "eye of the tiger" we've got a pussycat who acts 2 years old when he gets criticized.

Look at Ed Reed...his offseasons are spent locked in Ray Lewis' basement hitting the weights and watching film. Roy? Living the good life. More power to him, but he's NOT they guy I'd pick to be the face of the D.

Posted by Nick Welp @ 3:03 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

Wouldn't you say Jake Delhomme is the NFL's most over rated player? We thought he was near hero status before we realized it was Steve Smith. Now he's got a 40 mil contract and a second stringer looming to take his job.

Posted by ridgerunner @ 3:04 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

no way,best safety in the league.the change in scheme this year will show that guaranteed.nice job of creating contraversy Tim.

Posted by Gary Mc @ 3:05 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

Roy was the greatest thing since sliced bread when Woody was still roaming the secondary for the Cowboys. Its been a black hole since then and predictably, Roy's play has suffered. Woodson was the guy that covered the TE up the seam and played CF in their scheme. GM Jerry and HC Parcells never filled the Woodson void and all his responsibilities fell to Roy who was ill equipped to fulfill them. Hopefully, a legitimate FS in Hamlin will allow Roy to become a playmaker again. NOTE TO EDITOR: As many times as Roy got beat, John Lynch has never approached the level of playmaking that Roy has exhibited throughout his career. Point of reference: Roy had 5 picks last year, Lynch has never had more than 3 in a season. Lynch's career stats: 12 sacks, 26 picks, 16 forced fumbles, and 0 TDs in 14 years look pretty pedestrian compared to Roy's 6.5 sacks, 17 picks, 8 FF and 6 TDs in 5 years.

Posted by Mr. Thick @ 3:06 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

Roy quit hitting last year, but he is no more overrated than Tony Romo or Julius Jones or Wade Phillips or Jerry Jones.

Posted by Joe @ 3:41 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

Roy needs to lose at least 15 lbs. to be the playmaker he was at Oklahoma. Go back and look at the highlight reels from his Sooner days and notice how quick he was getting to the ball.

Posted by Geo @ 3:44 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

Hey man...remember Mark is a former Redskin. It might be more hate for the organization than anything else (like most former Redskins turned Media)? Just look at Joe Theismans(sp?). He picked 20007 Eagles as best Offense(please explain this one) and Defense(could make an argument) in the NFC. I think Mark took so many whoopins from the C-boys that he has a hard time giving anything from the Cowboys organization any credit. By the way Sean Taylor is one of Marks favorite players...go figure.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I linked recently to Theismann writing that the Cowboys had the NFC East's best D despite Roy Williams' coverage issues. And Schlereth recently said on ESPN that the '90s Cowboys had the best offense he'd ever seen. So much for that conspiracy theory.

Posted by Jimmy G @ 4:21 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

Note to Cedric: The NFL created the Roy Williams rule because Roy was beat and had to tackle receivers from behind. Roy is a great hitter and a great Cowboy, but he gets beat often.

Posted by Richard @ 4:40 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

When you are a Pro Bowl player and your team has to design a scheme to some how make you invisible or hide you from the opposing teams offensive coordinator....that means you are overrated. For every big hit/interception he makes he gives up a big play or blows a coverage. He is a linebacker playing safety, the problem is he is no Darren Woodson. Oh, and of course Roy played better when he was playing with Woodson. But if you are expecting the Boys to get another Hall of Fame safety to cover up Roy, it ain't happening. You shouldn't have to cover-up, hide, compensate, make up for, or otherwise fear the coverage abilities of your Pro Bowl safety.

Posted by Cowboy stuck in Saints Land @ 4:46 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

I dont know about being overrated or not? But I know this that picture looks like he knocked the white off that boy..

:)

Posted by C.C. III @ 5:12 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

I am glad someone has finally recognized the fact that he stinks as a coverage safety. He should actually gain about 10 to 20 lbs. and play Linebacker! I think the Cowboys should really analyze his value and shop him, maybe someone will take the bait! I wish personnel or the defensive coordinator would watch film, count the number of successful deep balls against the Cowboys last year and see how many of those involved ol Roy!

Posted by evilinc @ 5:23 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

In response to the query "So how exactly does that explain a former NFL player calling Williams the most overrated player in the league?" you presume that Schlereth actually knows what he's talking about, or even particularly cares, as opposed to saying something just for the sensationalism of it. Look, one doesn't have to spend much time with the football media to realize that most of them regurgitate cliche's and assumptions without bothering to check. These are also the same idiots who've told us for years how "great" Michael Vick was when anyone with functioning eyeballs could see his limitations. Now, frankly, if Ron Jaworski offers an opinion I listen because, whether I agree or not, I know the man has done the film study to back it up. He actually bothers to look (which is why he's going to be great for MNF). But what are the odds Shclereth actually watched the film, or even watched every Cowboys game? And how, precisely, does he arrive at the conclusion that Williams gets beat because he want's to make the big hit? When he didn't get there in time to stop Burress from catching the TD (when Roy hit the ref in the endzone) was he late because he tried to make a hit? Was it even his responsibility or was it Watkins'? Does anyone even bother to find out? It's not that Schlereth is biased, it's that sensational stories about Cowboy players score rating points, and there's no reason, none whatsoever, to assume he has any clue about what he's speaking (or are offensive linemen taught skills of which we're unaware? How the hell would Schlereth know anymore about coverage than any fan?).

Posted by cisco @ 5:23 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

He may have been over rated the last couple of years, but now that he'll be in a new scheme that's playing to his strenghts I believe he'll be the player we saw his first 2 years before Parcells came in and moved him away from the line of scrimmage and more into pass coverage. Roy was a difference maker then and he'll be a major diffrence maker again. He'll truly be one of the top SS in the NFL.

Posted by Jamal Wash. D.C. @ 7:33 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

Roy has strengths and weaknesses. Man to man coverage is his weakness. People only say he's good at run support. But I believe he led all safeties in takeaways last year. 6 int's and 2fumble recoveries. One player giving my offense the ball 8 times is good. Skins whole team had 12.

Posted by AdamJT13 @ 9:28 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

According to STATS LLC, Roy allowed the sixth-lowest completion percentage among starting safeties last season and had the eighth-best percentage of passes defended. He also led NFC safeties in interceptions.

Note to Jimmy G: Roy wasn't "beaten" by receivers on any of the plays when he used the horse collar type of tackle. He collared Musa Smith and Tyrone Calico on running plays, and Owens caught the ball underneath Roy's zone and ran toward the sideline.

Posted by Sean @ 9:45 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

Roy Williams has a linebacker frame/speed who happens to play strong safety, to advertise or complain that he doesn't cover the deep routes well is old news. Dallas fans knew when he came out of OU that he wasn't going to be a cover guy and those that didn't know that obviously weren't paying attention.

His strengths are underneath coverage and attacking near the line of scrimmage and have been since he came in the league. Football is about playing to your teams strengths while minimizing the other teams ability to exploit your weaknesses. example: keep Roy covering the underneath routes and helping with run support.

Hopefully if Ken Hamlin can play up to his talent level our secondary won't get beat nearly as much as last year.

Media hype is media hype, not one team cares about what Fox Sports thinks of Roy Williams on gameday. Put him in a position for him to succeed and he will make plays, if you force him to play where he's not comfortable he will not succeed. The same thing could be said for any player in the NFL.

Posted by esperans @ 10:26 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

In his time in Dallas, Roy Williams has had the support of a very mediocre (if that) pass rush.. it makes all the difference.. that being said the guy has made big play after big play after big play as a Cowboy.. who the hell forces and recovers a fumble from one yard out late in a game to preserve a slender lead? Roy Williams.. who the hell picks a pass and takes it the house to win a game in the dying momenst you never should have? Roy Williams.. remember his forced fumble against the Jets in Big Bill's first season? awesome play! this guy creates turnovers, he intimidates, he inspires his team mates.. give him a gun pass rush to play with and watch him terrorise.. I wouldn't swap him for any safety in the league..

Posted by haf @ 11:16 PM Tue, Jun 26, 2007

John Lynch wasn't the best or fastest cover guy in the world but that didn't matter because he was used properly.

Roy Williams wasn't drafted to be a cover guy, he was drafted to hit hard, cause turnovers, to be generally disruptive and make plays, which he does.

I think when the defense struggles Williams is guilty of trying to hard to make the big play, but that isn't really a knock that is worth the over-rated marker.

Posted by A.C. @ 12:28 AM Wed, Jun 27, 2007

No Roy Williams is not the most overrated. That distinction belongs to Michael Vick.

Posted by cook @ 2:36 AM Wed, Jun 27, 2007

plenty of over rated players. VICK #1 by far + dunn(flourishes b/c vick), michael turner, getting all this hype like lamont jordan, we dont even know if he can carry it 20-25 times a game. also portis, most productive years in denver where every RB succeeds. last the entire Eagles secondary. I know this may sound crazy... devin hester. lets see if he repeats, did dante hall?

Posted by DeuceDeuce @ 3:16 AM Wed, Jun 27, 2007

How could he be? When was the last time you heard anyone praise him?

Posted by JC @ 12:23 AM Thu, Jun 28, 2007

Just for the record:

Roy had a much bigger impact on the games when Darren Woodson was hurt than when Woody was on the field.

2002:
4 of 5 INT's occured when Woody was out.
Both TD's scored while Woody was out.
Both Forced Fumbles while Woody was out.
2 of 3 fumble recoveries while Woody was out.
5 of 8 Pass Deflections while Woody was out.

This isn't a slight of Woody by any means. I'm just pointing out that Roy didn't start making a huge impact on the games till he was playing with who... Tony Dixon?

Perhaps its more that Roy was being played to his strengths and roaming the field rather than playing in his weakness being stuck in deep coverage.

Posted by Gary Morris @ 4:44 AM Thu, Jun 28, 2007

Teams were going deep against the 'Boys because of poor pass rush, not because Roy had problems covering, ( 5 int's isn't poor coverage skills.)

Is he not a Free Saftey? Correct. But whatch him shine when we get 60 Sacks this year instead of about half that.

Also Bill stayed in the base defense wayyyyy tooooo often, instead of being in nikel or dime like we should have been and making Roy cover guys that should have been covered by an additional DB, not SS.

Posted by Tralfaz @ 1:23 AM Wed, Aug 22, 2007

Overrated yes.The most overrated is of course the crass and classless,cancerous Terrell (Its all about me)Owens.If only Vicks friends implicated Owens(about as credible as Vicks implication by his sell out homies)the nfl could be rid of this pathetic glory hound(no pun intended).The all time most overated is Jimmy wheres the reef Johnson and his not so lifelike hair.The players not Johnson were the reason for the success.Cross reference the pathetic Dolphins debackle.I wish he would take his brille cream and go fishing and leave fox hire Homer Simpson.

Posted by mason @ 1:50 PM Thu, Jan 17, 2008

ok honestly roy williams is not the MOST overrated but he darn sure is up there on the list i mean not taking anything away from his character..but in the field in that cowboys uniform he misses way toooo many IMPORTANT tackles and for goodness sake this man plays SAFETY not linebacker and for some reason he doesnt understand that he has to get back and also that he is the last form of defense....once you get by him its a guaranteed touchdown no questions asked just ask amani toomer what does akin adoyle look like trying to run toomer down when roy is ALWAYS overpursuing and talking HIMSELF out of the play goodness darren woodson will you please come back and school this man on how to play saftey and not linbacker roy williams has become the hole in cowboys defense