Williams continues Cowboys tradition of hard-hitting safeties
San Antonio Express-News
Dallas Cowboys safety Roy Williams is one of the league's most feared hitters. Just ask the Houston Texans. In Sunday's 34-6 victory, Williams delivered rib-rattling blows to quarterback David Carr, running back Ron Dayne and receiver Kevin Walter.
"He really set the tone," Cowboys linebacker Bradie James said. "At halftime, I said if the maniac is playing like that, then we have to join him. He made me raise my game."
Through the years, the Cowboys have been inspired by other headhunting safeties. Express-News Cowboys beat writer Tom Orsborn looks at the top hit men in franchise history:
ROY WILLIAMS
Years: 2002-present
Coach Bill Parcells says: "Roy Williams is a clean player. He is not malicious. He is not hoping to (hurt anyone), but he will bring the wood. He is a catalytic guy with dynamic aggressiveness whose performance can get people going. I think (Hall of Famer and former San Francisco 49ers safety) Ronnie Lott was that kind of player, too."
DARREN WOODSON
Years: 1992-2003
Former Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin says: "Intimidation is part of the game, and Darren was very good at it. If you can have a defensive back — preferably a safety — who can lurk around in the backfield like Darren did, and every team knows he is a heavy hitter, that's such an advantage. Receivers have second thoughts about going across the middle and taking that hit."
BILL BATES
Years: 1983-97
Cowboys play-by-play voice Brad Sham says: "Bill reminded everyone of Cliff Harris. He was a kamikaze. He'd run into anything. Remember, Bill was part of a class of more than 100 rookie free agents. You had to do something extra to get noticed. Bill decided what he could do was hit everything he saw not named Tom Landry, and it worked."
CLIFF HARRIS
Years: 1970-79
Former Cowboys personnel director Gil Brandt says: "Cliff was one of the all-time toughest guys. His nickname was Captain Crash, and he was probably the toughest guy we ever had back there. But he could also cover. That's why he went to six Pro Bowls." Harris was named to the Cowboys' Ring of Honor in 2004 and was a member of the NFL's all-decade team for the 1970s.
Dallas Cowboys safety Roy Williams is one of the league's most feared hitters. Just ask the Houston Texans. In Sunday's 34-6 victory, Williams delivered rib-rattling blows to quarterback David Carr, running back Ron Dayne and receiver Kevin Walter.
"He really set the tone," Cowboys linebacker Bradie James said. "At halftime, I said if the maniac is playing like that, then we have to join him. He made me raise my game."
Through the years, the Cowboys have been inspired by other headhunting safeties. Express-News Cowboys beat writer Tom Orsborn looks at the top hit men in franchise history:
ROY WILLIAMS
Years: 2002-present
Coach Bill Parcells says: "Roy Williams is a clean player. He is not malicious. He is not hoping to (hurt anyone), but he will bring the wood. He is a catalytic guy with dynamic aggressiveness whose performance can get people going. I think (Hall of Famer and former San Francisco 49ers safety) Ronnie Lott was that kind of player, too."
DARREN WOODSON
Years: 1992-2003
Former Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin says: "Intimidation is part of the game, and Darren was very good at it. If you can have a defensive back — preferably a safety — who can lurk around in the backfield like Darren did, and every team knows he is a heavy hitter, that's such an advantage. Receivers have second thoughts about going across the middle and taking that hit."
BILL BATES
Years: 1983-97
Cowboys play-by-play voice Brad Sham says: "Bill reminded everyone of Cliff Harris. He was a kamikaze. He'd run into anything. Remember, Bill was part of a class of more than 100 rookie free agents. You had to do something extra to get noticed. Bill decided what he could do was hit everything he saw not named Tom Landry, and it worked."
CLIFF HARRIS
Years: 1970-79
Former Cowboys personnel director Gil Brandt says: "Cliff was one of the all-time toughest guys. His nickname was Captain Crash, and he was probably the toughest guy we ever had back there. But he could also cover. That's why he went to six Pro Bowls." Harris was named to the Cowboys' Ring of Honor in 2004 and was a member of the NFL's all-decade team for the 1970s.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:24 PM
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