Cowboys Team Report
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Inside Slant
T.O. is gone.
Let the Roy Williams era in Dallas begin.
Known as the legend when he was in the college at the University of Texas, Williams has a chance to be just that if he finally realizes his enormous potential with the Cowboys.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones certainly believes in Williams.
He traded three draft picks to Detroit last season and gave him a $45 million contract extension.
And let Jones tell it, making Williams the No. 1 receiver and allowing him to thrive is one of the main reasons he shockingly cut Terrell Owens after three controversial but productive seasons in Dallas.
Owens had to go for Williams to thrive.
“I had to look at Roy Williams and the future that we have with Roy,” Jones said. “I’m excited about Roy, so I’d rather have him than the (three) picks we gave up for him in this draft.”
Jones said he consulted a lot of people before making the final decision and has no plans on looking back.
“It would have been madness to make a decision like that without getting all kinds of input,” Jerry Jones said. “He certainly had a lot of support from his coaches, that’s very important. But by the same token … you’re (always) looking to get younger players on the field. That was important to us.”
Another younger player who will be key for the Cowboys moving forward is Miles Austin. He has the speed to be a game-breaker on the outside but he must develop more consistency and find a way to stay healthy and on the field.
Austin needs to be the stretch the field receiver to take pressure Williams. He says he is ready to make the most of the opportunity.
“Obviously, it’s an opportunity, and I’m excited for the challenge,” Austin said. “It gives me a shot now to get more time and also show the coaches what I can do. But when it’s all said and done, you still have to perform when they call on you.”
But make no mistake about. This is an opportunity for Williams first and foremost. He knows that people will be looking at him. He also knows that people are already questioning him.
Williams was drafted fourth overall by the Lions. But he has only 1,000-yard season and has never caught 10 touchdowns in a season.
Owens had 1,000 yards in each of the last three years with the Cowboys. He also was the only receiver in the league to catch 10 touchdowns in each of the last three years.
Yet the Cowboys let him go partly because of his declining skills.
If Williams has those figures on his resume the next three years he will be considered a huge success.
But right now has to make up for what was a disappointing first impression in Dallas. He caught just 19 passes in 10 games with the Cowboys.
“I know there is negativity on my part,” Williams said.” I just have to produce. I know what I can do. Jerry Jones knows what I can do. I am looking forward to a big year.”
Inside Slant
T.O. is gone.
Let the Roy Williams era in Dallas begin.
Known as the legend when he was in the college at the University of Texas, Williams has a chance to be just that if he finally realizes his enormous potential with the Cowboys.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones certainly believes in Williams.
He traded three draft picks to Detroit last season and gave him a $45 million contract extension.
And let Jones tell it, making Williams the No. 1 receiver and allowing him to thrive is one of the main reasons he shockingly cut Terrell Owens after three controversial but productive seasons in Dallas.
Owens had to go for Williams to thrive.
“I had to look at Roy Williams and the future that we have with Roy,” Jones said. “I’m excited about Roy, so I’d rather have him than the (three) picks we gave up for him in this draft.”
Jones said he consulted a lot of people before making the final decision and has no plans on looking back.
“It would have been madness to make a decision like that without getting all kinds of input,” Jerry Jones said. “He certainly had a lot of support from his coaches, that’s very important. But by the same token … you’re (always) looking to get younger players on the field. That was important to us.”
Another younger player who will be key for the Cowboys moving forward is Miles Austin. He has the speed to be a game-breaker on the outside but he must develop more consistency and find a way to stay healthy and on the field.
Austin needs to be the stretch the field receiver to take pressure Williams. He says he is ready to make the most of the opportunity.
“Obviously, it’s an opportunity, and I’m excited for the challenge,” Austin said. “It gives me a shot now to get more time and also show the coaches what I can do. But when it’s all said and done, you still have to perform when they call on you.”
But make no mistake about. This is an opportunity for Williams first and foremost. He knows that people will be looking at him. He also knows that people are already questioning him.
Williams was drafted fourth overall by the Lions. But he has only 1,000-yard season and has never caught 10 touchdowns in a season.
Owens had 1,000 yards in each of the last three years with the Cowboys. He also was the only receiver in the league to catch 10 touchdowns in each of the last three years.
Yet the Cowboys let him go partly because of his declining skills.
If Williams has those figures on his resume the next three years he will be considered a huge success.
But right now has to make up for what was a disappointing first impression in Dallas. He caught just 19 passes in 10 games with the Cowboys.
“I know there is negativity on my part,” Williams said.” I just have to produce. I know what I can do. Jerry Jones knows what I can do. I am looking forward to a big year.”
posted by The Gryphon at 8:23 AM
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