SPORTSDAY

Posted by 666 @ 4:55 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

GREAT WADE,

NOW WITH YOUR CONTINUING YAMMERING ON AND ON ABOUT THIS YOU ARE GETTING YOUR PLAYERS INVOLVED IN WHAT COULD END UP BEING A DEVISIVE ISSUE IN THE LOCKER ROOM.

I HOPE YOU ARE PROUD OF YOURSELF YOU FOOL.

Posted by ap @ 4:57 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Remember a few days ago, the comment about the perception about the "Big Bad Media" and how it wasn't really so bad?

And now mikes are being put in front of players' faces, asking them "What do you think about the suspension?" Some answer with the team line, saying "I defend my teammate", and others honestly say "I wouldn't want that done to me", and "He was warned", etc. And that's being construed as dissention, and stories are being furiously penned about how the locker room is divided, how people are taking sides, etc etc.

I'm not accusing you of this, Tim. However, I wouldn't be surprised if I saw this story on some massive media outlet tonight...Shoot, just look what it's done to the fans.

Yet again, the lesson to be learned from all of this is "just wrap up". :)

Posted by Rodney in Nashville @ 5:02 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

It's a stupid rule! The spirit of the rule is meant to be interpreted in a way so as not to ride your opponent down like a steer so that you don't end up with the weight of your body on their legs. He doesn't do that. He has the strength to grab and pull them down without riding on them.

It's seems as though the rule was passed to be enforced on one player. How is that fair? Like the helmet rule that was implemented because of Emmitt. How is that hurting anyone? Or the supposed ball spiking rule. There's a guy on the sidelines who's holding another ball to put in play. I understand how it's delay of game if someone's in a hurry up offense, but there's 40 seconds on the play clock to start every play.

I see "horse collars" almost every game that aren't called. There was one in last night's game that wasn't called. It's ridiculous, but I'm sure that the Roy haters are lovin this.

What a back stabber Davis is. He'd do anything or say anything if it meant that he would start.

Posted by williamC @ 5:06 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

This is the same Roy Williams who broke T.O.'s leg with a horse collar tackle, but according to our dumb-ass coach, as long as no one gets hurt, it should still be legal.

Brilliant Wade. Ask T.O. how he feels about the horse collar tackle.

You should have kept your mouth shut and dealt with the situation. Now you have created a side-show this team didn't need.

Posted by williamC @ 5:11 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Rodney,

Rules are Rules in the NFL
It is not for you and I to decide if they are
right or not - in my opinion many or not - but
what matters is the players and coaches have to play within and abide by the rules - good or bad - thats part of their job.

Roy has had 2-years to adapt to this rule. He flagrantly broke it, again.

Posted by gpaq @ 5:22 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

wow! it looks like roy is as popular in the clubhouse as he is in this blog.

Posted by Kirby Weather @ 5:33 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

I agree. Roy should teach himself to dive at the legs of the player getting past him, rather than horse collar. That'll guarantee no flag, and the player will definitely be out for the rest of the year, if not their career.

Posted by Bernardo @ 5:41 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Yikes, Davis is actually saying that Roy should get suspended? Way to stand up for a teammate.

Posted by Gary @ 5:46 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

There's no doubt that in just about every instance, the defender could hit the runner with his should at the top of the guys legs from behind, and wrap his arms around them. They go down real quick.

Posted by Gary @ 5:47 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

There's no doubt that in just about every instance, the defender could hit the runner with his should at the top of the guys legs from behind, and wrap his arms around them. They go down real quick.

Posted by Kirby Weather @ 5:53 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Yep, that tackle works well Gary. Blows the knees right out. Which is why you so rarely see it. Easy to aim for the top of the legs and hit the knees or ankles. Does anyone posting to this blog ACTUALLY WATCH FOOTBALL???

Posted by Dan @ 5:54 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Are you kidding me. Who the hell does Patrick Crayton think he is? What did he do tie Roy williams down back up the bus and run him over a couple of times? Who needs teammates like this ego maniac. I hope one of his teammates tell him to shut his damn mouth and try and act like hes been there before instead of a new found rookie with a little and I stress a little attention coming his way. If thats his opinion why dont he go tell Roy his thoughts instead of telling the media

Posted by notahater @ 5:55 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Is it only me that sees the irony in a bunch of dudes on a blog actually telling an NFL coach how to conduct his affairs, in their vanity assuming not only that they know more than the coach, but that the coach will actually read what they write? Its really pretty funny. You guys should go ahead and email the team some offensive plays and defensive blitzes and stuff. I'm sure they'll appreciate the help. Maybe toss out paper airplanes to the sidelines during games to Romo as well with advice on women, romance and financial matters. Some times you guys are worse than a freaking quilting party with your gossip-mongering and know-it-all attitudes.

Posted by Dan @ 5:58 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Are you kidding me. Who the hell does Patrick Crayton and Davis think they are? What did they do tie Roy Williams down back up the bus and run him over a couple of times? Who needs teammates like this.Davis had his chance to start and absolutely blew it and the only reason anyone knows who crayton is came via an injury to Terry Glenn. I hope one of his teammates tell him to shut his damn mouth and try and act like hes been there before instead of a new found rookie with a little and I stress a little attention coming his way. If thats their opinion why dont thye go tell Roy his thoughts instead of telling the media. I'm sure Roy would DISCUSS it with either of them

Posted by jrs2300 @ 6:10 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

if you are going to grab the jersey or collar.. Just don't fall like he does... he just collapses.. stay up.. pull them to slow them down then let go and dive AT them.. Simple.. Staying on your Feet is what counts... if anything.. pull them back and wrap them.. JUST DON"T FALL.. Roy is so stupid.. and seeing how EXTREMELY sensitive he is.. I know this will cause a Lockerroom division... and that alone should have him not returned to the team next year..
They talk about T.O. being the one.. it's Roy.. and it was Roy last year too.. when his horrible play caused the whole defense to look bad and be in questioned..

As for Wade.. You might have lost T.O.'s Respect a little with your defense of Roy.. and alot of other Wr's on your offense.. Crayton too.. who agreed with the Suspension..

As for you Idiots who say Davis isn't sticking up for a Team mate.. Roy isn't sticking up for his when he BLANTANTLY does these things.. because he knows he shouldn't be doing it.. and he does it anyway..
Roy by doing this is saying F The NFL rules, F the letter you sent me.. F my team.. F Jerry Jones.. and F Wade Phillips.. because I am going to do this ANYWAY..

Posted by brian @ 6:12 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

any chance of the suspension being longer. Maybe just wishful thinking.

Posted by Bledsoe @ 6:23 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Which is worse?

making an "illegal" tackle after being warned a couple of times? OR stockpiling at least 9 years worth illegal video tapes of opposing teams defensive signal calling for the benefit of years to come?
one got suspended one didn't.

Posted by A**WhipHater @ 6:38 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Hey Dan--yeah maybe your little buddy Roy could write another one of those jr high curse out notes that he left anonymously for Jean Jacques Taylor a few years ago--what a class act. I like Roy better than A**Whip the mascot--but just barely.

"I hope one of his teammates tell him to shut his damn mouth and try and act like hes been there before instead of a new found rookie with a little and I stress a little attention coming his way. If thats their opinion why dont thye go tell Roy his thoughts instead of telling the media. I'm sure Roy would DISCUSS it with either of them"

Posted by jrs2300 @ 6:44 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Good Point Bledsoe.. very good point.. But hey this isn't the Blog for you taking out your GRIPE for Belichick starting Brady over YOU... so leave that out of this... Just Kidding..

I really really wish the NFL would say Hey Patriots.. we are going to make it where you forfeit the NINERS PICK and not your own pick... But that's really dreaming !!

Posted by Wythe @ 6:50 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

The rule should apply to all of the players in the NFL not just Roy Williams. I see that tackle in other games and it is not called as a penalty. The league should be consistent with all defensive players.

Personally, I think the rule stinks. This is football. Players like Roy Williams are taught to tackle like that from a young age.

Posted by clay @ 7:17 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Has anyone here actually seen it called on any player other than Williams? I don't think I have even though in any I watch I see 2 or 3 of them.

Posted by Scott in SA @ 7:17 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Is there any possible way that we could just suspend Roy from playing for the Cowboys ever again? That would be great. Thanks!

Posted by colorado kool aid @ 8:20 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

let's put strips of rags on each hip and make a "tackle" be defined as pulling them both out of the belt . . . that is already the rule with QB's, lets do it with every one else . . . that will increase the offense, outllaw tackling and prevent injuries!

Posted by Not So Crazy Ray @ 9:13 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Hey, like it or not, the rule is there. And RoyWilly just insists on breaking it! In any crime and punishment situation, the goal should be to prod the offender not to continue breaking the rule. The NFL saw that their fines were not working and Williams really left them with no other option but to suspend him.

Fair? Well, I don't really know what fair is, except to know that life isn't always. But, I do know that if I continue to break a rule, the punishment will be more severe each time. Maybe if the coaching staff had imposed more severe punishment on Williams for his continued flouting of the rules, the league wouldn't have had to.

In the meantime, it's a shame that Watkins is out. It would be nice to see what our D could do with Watkins and Hamlin back there (dry run for cutting ties with Williams). But, it is really a luxury to have Keith Davis as our 3rd team safety. Not that Davis is very good, but he is a former starter who has some experience and skills. It's possible that he'll be a decent 1 game fill-in.

Posted by Kirby Weather @ 9:26 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Rocket-scientist "Not so Crazy Ray":

Unfortunately, Watkins, Hamlin, nor Davis are STRONG safeties. All 3 are FREE safeties. Do you actually watch football? Or did you Mom let you onto the computer after you finished your homework this evening?

Posted by Not So Crazy Ray @ 9:41 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Sorry, Kirby. Maybe your own duties at NASA have prevented you from seeing that Williams and Davis are, indeed, strong safeties. And, that, while a free safety, Watkins is the likely fill-in for Williams if Watkins can go. I really wouldn't mind you being mistaken in "correcting" me, if only you weren't such an arrogant pr!ck in doing so.

Maybe you'll want to see the Cowboys depth chart on dallascowboys.com or Yahoo before running your mouth next time?

Posted by Brandon @ 9:47 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Roy needs to learn how to WRAP UP and tackle...something that was apparently not taught at OU.
He does not know how to tackle, just hit and pull. Learn the basics and maybe this type of tackle and 15 yard penalty will stop.

Suspend him, good riddance.

Posted by Kirby Weather @ 9:52 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

HaHa -

Good one - relying on a depth chart for analysis. If you want another strong safety, the Boys are going to have to draft one. There ISN't one currently on the roster, besides Roy (I'm not sure why you listed his name again). Despite what's printed, no one has played the position. And if you don't think it matters, go back to when Woodson was hurt. It's really not the same position. Speed doesn't matter, size does. I'm not sure why you hate Roy. In the end, he's one of the better SS in the league, whether you want to admit it or not. Sucks having good corners, since he's going to get picked on. Same thing happened to SF in the 90's, same thing is happening to NE right now (although Mr Wilson had a good game this past weekend).

Watkins will be EMBARRASSED if he has to play SS. I hope it doesn't come to that. But he would be better than Davis, that's for certain.

I wish I worked for NASA. I'll take that as a compliment.

Posted by Richard @ 9:52 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

I'm just going to say this once. Roy is not the only one who uses that method. Although, he is the only one penalized for it. He hasn't injured anyone using it for the last 2 years so unless the NFL wants to start penalizing every player who does it they need to back off. A rule is only a rule if followed by EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by gary m @ 9:55 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

strange how even your own teammates feel the same as the commish...maybe some of you who still think roy is king or some fearsome safety will at least acknowledge the opinions of professional football players on his own team.

Posted by Richard @ 9:56 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Ya I respect his teammates Like I don't know Greg Ellis for starters

Posted by debs @ 9:59 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

maybe we should just play flag football...it seems roy williams is the only one making these tackles and being called for it...saw same tackle in the sunday night game but no penalty flag thrown...the cowboys have always had to play not only the other team but the referees too. Rules or OK but they need to apply to everyone not just a few..too bad no one was around when the EAGLES were pounding aikman with late hits and ground slams..with Buddy Ryan telling the defense to put him out of the game.

Posted by Richard @ 10:00 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Every single team especially the supposedly beloved Patriots commit the same penalty but you NEVER see a flag for it.

Posted by Not So Crazy Ray @ 10:10 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Kirby, it sure would be nice if a guy who was the #8 overall pick and is under a fat contract could both cover and tackle, and Williams doesn't seem to do either very well right now. I don't hate him. You'll find many others on this blog who dislike him much more than I do. He's a pretty good player, but hardly seems to be living up to his draft position and salary.

As for the strong vs. free safety talk, have YOU been watching the Cowboys for the last 15+ years? In that time, the free and strong safety positions have been pretty much interchangeable.

But, the point of my post is that Williams is deserving of his punishment. Like it or not, a rule is a rule, and he continues to break it.

Posted by TSmith @ 10:12 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Watkins for the 5000000 time is not a strongsafety he's not even a power forward. Davis will have to fill Williams spot if this suspension stands. It is a horsesass rule and to point out the inconsistency of the rule concerning injuries defensive lineman fly into the knees of quarterbacks last week knocking two of them out of the games with sprained knees with notta penalty. This is tackle football and in all the time of watching it i have seen maybe 2 injuries caused by the horseass tackle. Cant count the knee injuries that have occurred by players flying into the knees of another player while making a tackle.

Posted by Randy in Arlington @ 11:34 PM Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Roy needs to sit his butt on the bench for such a dangerous tactic. The 'Boys will be fine without him. In fact, they will do so well, he may have trouble starting again. You heard it here first.

Posted by jimc @ 4:54 AM Wed, Dec 19, 2007

how many of you have ever tried coming up behind a runner and dove at his legs to tackle him?? Ever had his foot hit you under the helment or in the side of the helment?? Did not think so If you had grabbing a jersey to pull him down would make a lot more since. I know it has been several years since when i played but if the rule makers keep letting the prima dona offive players rule the game we might as well just play flag football and call it powder puff Hit them hard ROY

Posted by mattyinnj @ 7:48 AM Wed, Dec 19, 2007

You know what Davis and Crayton are? They're people who are HONEST and rooted in reality!!! You get a rule named after you and get warne3d that the next infraction will lead to a suspension, what would you do as a rational person? Stop committing the foul! How is this even a debate? Even if you dont agree with the rule how do you defend Williams? What he did was selfish and unnecessary - if you're close enough to grab the back of his jersey at the shoulder pads you're also close enough to grab him below the waist and take out his legs. It is a perfect example of a person who doesnt make good decisions in the heat of the game. Coverage is as much about patience and clear thinking as it is about speed and dexterity. Compare Williams to Westbrook's play at the end: even though I hate Westbrook you have to agree that that play was brilliant. A guy who actually thinks while he plays and makes GOOD decisions that positively affect his team. Roy brings more minuses to the board than plusses IMHO.

Posted by Dave @ 8:12 AM Wed, Dec 19, 2007

The sad reality is that you see the "horse collar" in many games and they are not always called. But of course, Roy has a bull's-eye painted on him just as he did at OU when he was "Superman." I am sure that in reality, this is more habit than anything. Anyone who has played ball knows the intensity that exists in a game, especially if you are a defensive player. You are not out to hurt people but after all, this is football. I guess the NFL will do what it can by making it more difficult for the Cowboys to reach the Superbowl this year. I am sure the Packer fans are happy too. Perhaps Al Davis is right.......

Posted by DM @ 8:22 AM Wed, Dec 19, 2007

Don't get me wrong, I think Roy is a great player and great guy, but he definitely deserves to be suspended. Doing a horse collar on McNabb was not the only option. What happened to trying to wrap your arms around the waist and/ or trying to cause a fumble. Unfortunately I think Roy has gotten a little lazy and slow.

Posted by Jayman @ 8:48 AM Wed, Dec 19, 2007

You certainly won't get an atta boy from me for Roys' lazy tackling. His problem is he seldom wraps up when he tackles and he takes bad angles.

Perhaps if he took a better angle he would not have to collar.

The one he pulled McNabb down with was unneccessary if he would've hustled a little more. That and so McNabb runs a couple more yards before he takes him down the old school way. So what, it was third and 15 I think. Lazy play and lazy thinking

Posted by Silver Lining @ 12:45 PM Wed, Dec 19, 2007

Cut Roy at seasons end and sign Bob Sanders - take the hit and make it happen

Posted by L.J @ 12:53 PM Wed, Dec 19, 2007

This is for Dan,
First of all if this guy injures McNabb on that play then what would you be saying? Nothing! If a criminal continues to get away with murder as a person aren't you going to say enough, whether he was your brother or friend, think before you open your mouth. Crayton and Davis are thinking about other players not one player that can't make a dang tackle. By the way, Crayton is far from an ego-manic, he's my best friend and really a good guy! Don't speak from assumptions, learn first buddy then talk or else you shut your mouth!

Posted by davo @ 12:55 PM Wed, Dec 19, 2007

i can't figure out why the horse collar is even necessary...i find it easier to grab them aroung the waist/thighs and bring them down...but roy doesn't really wrap up that much, so i think it is harder for him to do that...most of the time he hits rather than tackles (which, to be fair, looks cool and can pump up the team, but leaves you more prone to whiffs)