Chicago Bears: Roy Williams Finally Replaced by Johnny Knox

Roy Williams, WR for the Chicago Bears and perennial disappointment, will not be in the starting lineup this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. In his place, Johnny Knox will have the opportunity to shine.

I was among the many bewildered fans who wondered why in the world the Chicago Bears went after Williams in the first place this past offseason. Mike Martz wanted him on the team due to Williams' previous success in Martz's system when they were both in Detroit. But anyone who has watched Williams over the past couple of seasons in Dallas knew that this wouldn't work out.

Since 2006, when Williams had his best season as a pro, he hasn't managed to even complete a full 16-game schedule. In addition to his ailing health, he hasn't produced any eye-popping performances and has slowly begun to decline into mediocrity. 

After he was traded in 2008 from the Detroit Lions to the Dallas Cowboys for an ungodly amount in return (first-, third-, sixth- and eventually a seventh-round draft pick) Williams never managed to live up to the "No. 1 WR" label that everyone tried to pin on him.

Even with Tony Romo to get him the ball, his best season in Dallas was less than mediocre with only 38 catches for under 600 yards and seven touchdowns. 

Not much of a No. 1 receiver, if you ask me. So, when the Chicago Bears went looking for a legitimate No. 1, many of us wondered, "Why are they considering Roy Williams?"

Knox had a breakout year last season, catching 60 balls for just under 1,000 yards and five touchdowns. He is a true burner who can stretch the field, and I expect him to have much of the same impact this season, given the chance.

With Devin Hester on the other side of the field and rookie Dane Sanzenbacher looking very serviceable so far in his first campaign, Williams should be shelved indefinitely. His time is long gone, and the Bears would do well to look to the future with their bright, young corps of speedy wide receivers.