Roy Williams' Time Will Come

Let’s get something straight; Roy Williams is a good receiver.

What Jerry Jones gave up in order acquire him and the amount of the extension he immediately paid him is inconsequential.

Roy Williams is a good receiver.

It’s seems that Cowboy Nation has found its latest gripe to unite around: Bench Roy Williams!

Since the trade mid-season last year, here are Williams’ sobering numbers with the Cowboys:

15 games
31 receptions
428 yards
2 TDs

By comparison, Miles Austin’s last two games have been more productive (16 rec., 421 yards, 4 TDs).

Cowboy fans should realize Williams isn’t Terrell Owens. 

He’s not a stretch-the-field, deep attack, down-the-field receiver.  In fact, he’s much more of a move-the-chains type of receiver who thrives in short to mid-range route running and is an asset to the run game with his blocking. 

If anything, Williams is a younger, faster, stronger version of Keyshawn Johnson circa 2004.

Let’s not get it twisted, though; Williams is a talented receiver. 

You don’t put up a 1,300+ season in the NFL by accident.

Williams’ role is still to be determined in Garrett’s offense.  Make no mistake though, he has a role.

Don’t hold your breath waiting for Williams to be benched either. 

Right, wrong or indifferent, there is no scenario in which Williams will find himself demoted and coming off the bench.  Jerry didn’t make Williams the second highest paid receiver in the game for that honor.

Ironically, Austin’s emergence stands to benefit not only Williams, but the rest of the receivers, including tight end Jason Witten.

Going into training camp, the Cowboys envisioned Austin playing across from Williams as the No. 2 receiver.  Austin would provide the team its first true deep threat since Terry Glenn.

Unfortunately, Austin had a lingering hamstring injury that carried on through camp.  Crayton, who was having a great camp, assumed the No. 2 role out of necessity.

Now it appears the receiving corps is set with Williams being the “chain moving” No. 1; Austin the “deep threat” at No. 2, and Crayton at No. 3, working the slot where he’s one of the league’s best.

Williams’ time will come.

Standing 6’3” and 215 pounds, Williams is a big target with good hands and surprising build-up speed. 

It’s apparent Garrett has realized making Williams a moving target is the best way to utilize his specific skill set. 

During the past few games we’ve seen at least attempts to get the ball to Williams on quick slants.  This will continue to be a work in progress as Romo has historically been inaccurate on these types of routes, often throwing behind or high to receivers.

It’s coming.

This offense precludes a dominant, game-in, game-out receiver.  As we’ve seen thus far, Witten, Crayton, Hurd and Austin have all at one time been the team’s leading receivers for the game this season.

Williams’ time will come.

Will he ever perform enough to earn that contract?  Probably not, but that should be taken up with the man who orchestrated the trade and created the contract.