Friday, July 31, 2009

NFL.COM Blog: Cowboys WR Williams puts in strong practice

By Vic Carucci

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Roy E. Williams seems well aware of the expectation for him to step up as the Cowboys’ No. 1 receiver now that Terrell Owens is gone.

It is evident by how he is running routes and making plays in practice. So far, all signs point to him making up for his disappointing performance after the Cowboys acquired him (and a seventh-round draft pick) from the Lions last year for first-, third-, and sixth-round choices.

In today’s single workout, Williams consistently beat defenders in one-on-one drills. His most impressive work came on making grabs on 15-yard out patterns, using the sidelines to his full advantage.

The Cowboys are counting on Williams, Patrick Crayton, and Miles Austin to fill the T.O. void at wide receiver.

Note: One change in the Dallas Cowboys’ training-camp routine is to spend the first 20 minutes of practice working on special teams.

Most clubs hold special-teams drills in the middle of practice, but coach Wade Phillips decided it needed to be treated as a greater point of emphasis.