SPORTSDAY

Posted by Evilinc @ 12:04 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007

Apparently the sanctimony runs both ways. There are many things for which Williams may be deserving of criticism. Your problem, and that of the media, is you don't bother to do much in the way of analysis or explanation. Roy's point wsa he got blamed for things that WEREN'T his fault, simply because he'd become the target du jour. To be more precise, moan about Williams not answering your questions all you want, but his comment about you not knowing the scheme was correct. You DON'T know if the blown coverage was his. At best you can report what you've been told, but so far, you haven't done that. You've simply asserted that "Williams was exposed" without offering anything to back it up. Maybe he was, maybe he wasn't. Maybe it was a combination of Williams and the revolving door at free safety. As a fan/reader, I'd like to know. Some actual reporting on the subject instead of soundbites would be nice. I'm a big fan of Ron Jaworski's and think it was a great move adding him to the MNF booth. The reason, he actually watches film and breaks down the plays so that when he makes a comment about what did, or didn't happen, or what should or shouldn't have, he actually has something to back it up.

If Roy was the sole fault, or the majority fault last year, fine, rip away. He makes a ton of money and it comes with the territory. But as a fan and reader, it would sure be nice if you offered more than mere assertions.

Posted by Andrew @ 12:48 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007

I have a different theory. I think Roy will have his best season yet - and he'll miss the Pro Bowl.

The Pro Bowl is a joke. It's more or less a glorified Homecoming Dance for NFL Superstars. If it were based on talent, I think Newman and Owens would have received plane tickets to Honolulu.

Meanwhile, Williams has been the Dallas-area whipping boy for the better part of two years. "Coverage liability." "Overrated." "Glorified linebacker." Just some of the modifiers placed on #31. But Jiminey Christmas, do you guys WATCH any non-Cowboy football? How many strong safeties out there AREN'T "coverage liabilities" in one way or another? Off the top of my head, I can name two ... Adrian Wilson and Chris Hope. They are the only two I'd trust for great pass support most of the time (others, like Darren Sharper, Sean Considine or Michael Huff, are either slowing down or not quite there yet. And if anyone says Trpy Polamalu, I will strap you to a chair Clockwork Orange style and make you watch Steeler game film until your eyes bleed). Strong safeties are notoriously shaky in coverage? Is Roy overly so? Maybe a small margin, but not much, guys ... not much. And what he DOES do well -- by which I mean provide run support and keep receivers away from the middle of the field -- he does very well. And he had 5 picks last season! Sure, some were tipped passes or bad throws, but again, look at other games ... plenty of safeties INTs are just from sloppy QB play or a lucky bounce.

Yes, I'm a hardcore Roy fanboy, and maybe more than a bit biased, but Roy's been lynched by the media for about two years now, and it's catching on (as most football fans just regurgitate what they see on ESPN as their own opinion). Take Roy off the cross. He's actually pretty damn good.

Edit: Oh, and Evilinc, just read your post. Can't agree more ...

Posted by dave j @ 5:00 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007

If there is one thing I have learned listening to guys like Ron Jaworski or Brad Sham over the years is that the guy getting posterized in an NFL secondary is not necessarily the guy who blew the coverage. Fact is I don't know how many of those big plays last year were Roy's fault.

I can say I am thrilled that he is down to his rookie weight. I would love to see him play at his OU weight. I think he needs speed, quickness, and the ability to change directions a lot more that being shown on highlights for big hits each week.

Posted by Jim Morris, Austin @ 6:18 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007

Both Evilinc and Andrew are two BIG hammers hitting the nail right on the head. Way to go to the REAL Cowboy nation!

Posted by Richard Lauer @ 6:53 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007

He plays as hard as anyone. Personally I think that if a guy doesn't want to speak with the "media", they don't have to! The media, after all contributes nothing to the actual team or it's success.

Posted by ernest t bass @ 8:30 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007

Impressive. Five consecutive intelligent comments that expose and refute a personal vendetta.

Posted by Gary Mc @ 8:50 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007

I would agree with the others that it was not Roy's fault every single time he chased someone into the endzone. That said, he is a liability in man coverage. He always has been. Instead of ripping Roy though, why don't we take a look at how Roy got in those positions? The coaches shouldn't have repeatedly put him in those situations. He should either be in the box or providing support over the top where he can really impact a game with his physical play.

Posted by Michael @ 9:28 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007

I don't know, Gary, the guy does play safety, not linebacker. You'd expect a Pro Bowl safety to be able to cover every now and again, not just deliver hits.

People used to compare Roy to Ronnie Lott, which is a very unfair comparison. Ronnie played CB, then safety. Could you imagine Roy playing CB?

Personally, I'm satisfied that he's just a very good player. Perhaps the media 'rips' Roy because he's not the player they've made him out to be.

Posted by Scott @ 9:37 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007

Sorry, but I think your bias in this matter shows quite clearly in the tone of the way you write about this. You're not the only reporter who shows this bias and Roy hasn't been the only target of such bias. Although I'm sure he's made mistakes, I frankly trust Roy's explanations more than I do yours. I think he's in a much better position to know and I've yet to see the kind of detailed analysis that would cause me to reconsider my view. If he doesn't want to talk to the reporters, that's his decision. If I were getting hammered by reportes the way he is, I wouldn't talk to them either.

Posted by Black and Blue @ 10:25 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007

There needs to be more players like Roy Williams, a true class act. Too bad the reporters can't show some class too.

Posted by phil @ 11:26 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007

It is amazing to me that it has taken the media this long to figure out that Roy Williams is simply a bust. How can we pay a guy that much money who is consistantly demoralized by mediocre receivers. All Roy can do is hit someone and it seems to me that he isisn't even doing that much in the last 2 seasons. I say we trade him for someone that will not be humiliated annually by Santana Moss!!!!!

Posted by milton thuroughgood III @ 2:08 PM Thu, Aug 16, 2007

I think the true class act here is John Lynch.
Williams still has some ways to go.

Posted by Mike @ 6:02 PM Thu, Aug 16, 2007

Scott, you're right, these bloggers here (or anyone else not involved in the Cowboys defense) are in no position to know what plays were called much less what a particular players' responsibility was.

These guys take the guy closest to the bad play and blame him. It takes the least amount of brain power and you also get a nice juicy reaction from a player.

This is the "instant analyst" disease spreading . Just add media cred and blog.

Posted by shuga shane @ 6:32 AM Fri, Aug 17, 2007

Roy is a safety, not a cornerback. His coverage skills are average, just like most SS in the league. There are 32 starting SS in the league. Name 5 than can cover santana moss...hell name 2. Give me a break. Roy is a great SS, what he lacks in coverage skills, he more than makes up for in other parts of his game.