ESPN Dallas reports that as soon as the Cowboys are able to start signing players, they’ll look to eliminate three players from last year’s team:

Marc Columbo

Marion Barber

Roy Williams

It’s a funny thing. All last year I was ranting that Dallas made a HUGE mistake acquiring Roy. He’s unproven, lacking confidence, and simply not cut out for this league at this time.

But wait!

Now that Dallas has a chance to part ways, I’m reconsidering. I’m looking at a starting lineup of wide receivers that stars Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, and Kevin Ogletree. Miles is the only proven receiver in this club, and while Dez Bryant is one of the most exciting players in the league, I’m still not convinced he can memorize more than two routes.

Kevin Ogletree is the Roddy Beaubois of the Dallas Cowboys: expected to do great things but battling being undersized and performance problems when given a shot.

When Romo returns, he’ll have TONS of potential in Austin, Bryant, and Ogletree… As long as they run their routes and avoid rookie mistakes. 

I’m probably overreacting. With Felix Jones, Tashard Choice, and DeMarco Murray at RB, this team looks more potent than ever before. Okay. I’ve change my mind again. I’m ready for some young blood!

Watch this video. Listen to the tone in Roy William’s voice. He could care less that he dropped a crucial pass. All he does is harden himself and act like he doesn’t care.

Dallas doesn’t deserve an insult like this. Give us Sam Hurd. He’ll catch at least the same percentage and he’ll care about every single opportunity.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De50DJc-V6s]

Take that sorry attitude back to Austin, Roy. This game here’s for professionals.

I’ve noticed several mainstream cowboys blogs of late that are more about access, “look at us hanging with Marty B” than writing anything critical of the Boys. I’ll let you figure out who I’m talkin’ about. The only access I need is a television, preferably an HD one, carrying the cowboy game. Seriously, access is so overrated. I’ve been in enough pro sports locker rooms to know that it’s all cliche talk. And quite honestly none of these guys are Rhodes scholars, which is why they always just say “we just take it one game at a time”. Yeah, I know its a tough concept for you to have an opinion about something further in you life than a week.

I’ve read on some sites that blog the boys’ that fan expectations are to high for Roy Williams. Really?? Sorry if we expect the 7th pick in the draft wide receiver to catch a damn pass on a consistent basis. And expectations do go up, especially when the football hits him in the damn HANDS!!!

Here are some obligatory stats:

Williams is 77th in Rec Yards with 234.
Williams is 55th in avg yds/game at 46
Williams is 19th in avg yds/pass with 19.2

Blah…blah…blah….

The problem with Roy Williams are not his stats per se. The problem is he doesn’t have the Big Tuna getting up in his ass when he drops a pass. Instead he gets this from Wade Phillips…..”uh hey Roy, Roy? What happened on that pl…OH ok we’ll talk about it later”. BS!

So allow me to be the Tuna. “YO ROY GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE!! Listen, you drop one more damn pass and your ass will be dropping balls in the arena league!”

That is what Williams needs, I call it tough love cause the kid is to damn talented to be showin he might just be a bust for being the 7th overall pick in the NFL.

Which brings me to the Coup De Gras, if you will, of this post. If Williams can’t handle the pressure of catching balls in Big D then show him the bench till he can. You won’t kill his confidence; he doesn’t have any. But if you play him off the bench just maybe he won’t feel the pressures of being a big time starting wideout and start catching some balls and earning some of that guaranteed money. God knows it seemed to work for Patrick Crayton last week

And for those of you of the opinion that he’s a 7th pick overall superstar, isn’t gonna be a bust and shouldn’t be benched based on his college stats, a couple of good years in the NFL and a big time contract. I have two words for you BRIAN BOSWORTH!

Pretty amusing how these news personalities go at it over the issue of Roy Williams. Hope you get a kick out of this.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE5l2roHuMM]

Some people will read that title and before reading this post, send me a tweet that “duh, Roy Williams was injured and didn’t play.” Thank you, Captains Obvious. Now, for those of you who actually READ articles before responding, here’s the REAL question:

Why wasn’t Roy Williams at the game and on the sideline? Roy didn’t even make the trip to Kansas City. Do what?

When I look for a team leader, I look for someone who builds up his teammates even when he can’t receive any glory. I want players with skill, but I REALLY want players with skill AND character. I will grant any player a free pass who needs that day to rehabilitate in special conditions. But you win over teammates by being there to cheer them on even when there’s no chance of grabbing the spotlight for yourself.

Roy Williams failed to capitalize on that opportunity this week. Miles Austin had a franchise record setting day (250 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns), and Roy was nowhere around to congratulate. In fact, his very lack of presence makes it all the more easy to imagine him sitting at home sad that someone else got all that attention. That’s all purely speculative, of course. I’ve never met Roy, and I hear he’s a great guy.

But he failed a basic test. He did not travel with and support the team. A #1 receiver, this does not make.

The most encouraging notes from training camp and preseason belong to Kevin Ogletree and Gerald Sensabaugh. These two key additions to the roster, in addition to a healthy Barber, Romo, and Felix Jones, makes for a potentially exciting season.

Last year, Dallas was plagued with injuries at the wide receiver position. Both Miles Austin and Sam Hurd were out with injuries for significant portions of the season, leaving Dallas somewhat thin at receiver with Terrell Owens, Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton, and Isaiah Stanback. With those first three, you’d think the Cowboys could’ve done just fine. But we all know Romo and Williams didn’t click and T.O. was too busy creating conspiracy theories to focus on silly little things like running routes.

This is a brand new year; one in which the experience level drops off significantly after the #2 receiver position. Without T.O. pushing Crayton to the #3, Wade Phillips is still looking for that receiver who will be reliable enough to consistently own that third starting slot.

Right now, Miles Austin seems to have that sown up. But Miles has been nursing a hamstring injury and was injured for parts of last season. Sam Hurd’s in the same spot, recovering from a summer long injury. Which begs the question: who will be the #3 receiver throughout the season? With Hurd and Austin so seemingly easy to break, Kevin Ogletree stands a decent chance at that #3 spot by November.

Granted, if everyone can stay healthy, it’s a tougher climb for sure. Injuries are the perfect time for a rookie to prove himself on the field. Otherwise, as we’ve seen with Jenkins and Scandrick, the coaches have a hard time sitting the higher paid players.

Ogletree appears to have that “it” factor, though. He’s been dynamic enough in the preseason to warrant some playing time this year.

If, God forbid, Roy Williams were to go down, however, Sam Hurd is slated as his replacement. It’s just how things work out. So in the case that Roy gets hurt, you could see Hurd, Crayton, and Austin lining up, which means Ogletree is one injury away from a starting role.

As a junior at Virginia, Ogletree also returned 15 kickoffs for 274 yards (18.3 avg.), so don’t be surprised if you see him return a few kicks down the road as well.

Keep an eye on him. I’ve got a feeling that all he needs is an opportunity to make it in this league.

The rumor is flying around twitterville that Roy Williams broke his collarbone in a collision with Orlando Scandrick. This rumor has not yet been verified, and the consequences of this is as of yet unknown.

If Roy is forced to sit the first few games of the season, expect Sam Hurd to take the lion’s share of Roy’s receptions, while newcomer Ogletree may yet find a place on the roster for at least this season.

According to Gina Miller, for now, all the Cowboys are willing to admit is that Williams suffered a “shoulder injury.”

ESPN posted more about tonight’s occurence here.

Twitter Updates:

tmacmahon: Two sources tell Todd Archer that X-rays on Roy Williams’ shoulder/collarbone were negative. No break, just a sprain.

One Denver Broncos forum member is calling for Denver to send Brandon Marshall to the Cowboys:

With the Cowboys opening up there brand new 1.2 billion dollar stadium Jerry Jones wants to win and win now. We all know he is willing to take on headcases and also make a desperate deals at the same time.

Brandon Marshall would sell tickets and also bring them a top flite WR to replace Roy Willams and then pair up with him when Williams eventually was healthy.

B-Marsh to Cowboys for a 3rd rounder and Jay Ratliff.

Don’t hold your breath on that one.

DallasCowboys.com posted a rare interview with Roy Williams earlier today. Topics ranged from Tony Romo to handling media criticism.

Here’s an excerpt:

What’s your reaction to the negative comments from guys in the media?

Williams: It’s funny to me. I mean, it really is funny to me. I love it and everything, but it’s funny.

Is it fuel for you?

Williams: No, not at all. It doesn’t fuel me. Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Deion Sanders, Darren Woodson – I love it, I appreciate it.

Why do you appreciate it?

Williams: I appreciate it because if you sit around and have to hear how good you are all the dang time, you have to have that Jerry Rice mindset of, ‘I’m not good enough,’ all that stuff. When I have guys, especially NFL greats and the greatest that played here in Dallas, saying that I can’t get the job done and I’m not a No. 1, it makes me feel good. It makes me want to go out there and prove to them and everybody else across the world who listens to those guys – because obviously everybody thinks they know it all – that I can do my job.

Call it whatever you want, Roy. You still have a lot to prove. Dallas gave up a pretty penny and an aging star receiver, so you better be worth your salary.

Speaking of salary, it’s unfortunate that Jerry Jones seems to insist on playing higher paid players regardless of performance (see Mike Jenkins). If that weren’t the case, you would see Sam Hurd and Patrick Crayton in the mix for #1 receiver and Roy would be just another option. As it stands, look for Roy to get the intentional first look as mandated by the coaching staff (and regardless of merit).

Roy could be the greatest thing since Michael Irvin for this team. Or he could just be one of four role playing wide receivers.

Don’t kid yourselves. Roy Williams is a HUGE gamble at #1 receiver. But let’s ignore that fact. Let’s look at better reasons to bring in a REAL #1. First, the Cowboys already have injuries. Local ESPN Radio hosts Randy Galloway and Brian Estridge noted earlier in the week that both Sam Hurd and Miles Austin are recovering from injuries. That makes the Cowboys’ wide receiver lineup dangerously thin leaving Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton, and Isaiah Stanbeck as your starting wide outs.

One more injury and Dallas is looking at an unknown filling in the slot. I know, I know, the idea of trading for Brandon Marshall brings up questions of ego and unhealthy competition. No one would expect Marshall and Williams to love on each other. Then again, with both on the team, Dallas would face the same challenges Arizona has, except Jerry Jones pays his players. So with money not an issue, all that remains is ego and an abundance of passing options.

Just picture it: Roy Williams and Brandon Marshall split out. Martellus Bennett on the left. Jason Witten on the right. Question: who should Tony pass to? Answer: anyone he damn well pleases. That is an unstoppable passing force combined with a three headed running beast of Barber, Jones, and Choice. That is a legacy building lineup. That is exactly what Dallas needs to be the next New England Patriots.

Trade picks, Miles Austin, and another player or two if you have to, Jerry. You won’t be prone to want to pull the trigger on this deal, but this is that once in a decade opportunity to build the next Super Bowl dynasty.

Marshall has already said goodbye to the city of Denver and its fans via his blog. He mentions the Ravens, Jets, and Bears as teams in dire need of a #1 WR. And apparently the Giants don’t need him. Marshall didn’t mention Dallas among his top teams, but you know he’d work out here. He’s a dynamic top ten receiver in the league – more proven and reliable than Roy Williams. He’s a receiver Tony could have FULL confidence in, and some competition to push Roy to his potential.

It’s a no brainer. It’s so obvious, it won’t happen. That’s my guess. But if it did…. Cowboys would reign.

Terrell Owens, Patrick Crayton, Miles Austin, Isaiah Stanbeck, and Sam Hurd. This was how the wide receiver corps for the Dallas Cowboys started out this year. Throw in the tight ends – Whitten, Bennett, and Curtis – and the running backs – Barber, Jones, and Choice – and this Dallas offense was loaded with potential. As the season kicked off this year, they were picked by everyone in the league as the most dominant offensive grouping that the league had to offer. Tony Romo at the helm gave us confidence, and his “miracle worker” style had everyone picking these Cowboys to go all the way. As we all know, the hype that is the prelude to the season is seldom as exciting as the reality of it.

Fast-forward to now, and we see Romo, Hurd, and Jones out going into week 7. I don’t think that anyone saw this coming. Brad Johnson will be at the helm when we line up against the Rams on Sunday, and Tashard Choice will be complimenting Barber this week, but the real focus is on the wide receiver position. Roy Williams from Detroit will be the compliment to Terrell Owens, and this is what has the fans and skeptics sparring today. Many say that T.O. will be retreating to his jealous ways from San Fran and Philly. They say that there will not be enough passes to go around, and that there will be internal rivalries that will seek to implode this bruised organization.

In my opinion, this gathering of talent is not just a mass of ego. If you look at T.O. and his “antics” with the Cowboys thus far, how much has been reality and how much has been hype? He definitely had issues with Parcells, but anyone that even casually watched the game could have seen that one coming. Let’s look at his productivity on the field and judge by that. His numbers this year have not been spectacular, but he is also fighting double coverage on nearly every play.

Any team that we have come up against has hung their best defensive players around his neck. Last week, T.O. threw a block for Barber, and he was the first one celebrating as he saw 24 streaking down the side line. He is thrown to, and he misses some catches that I think he should make, but his very presence on the field is felt every time he lines up. His passion is what makes him controversial, and that passion is what we so desperately need right now.

I think that you will see a happier T.O. as the weeks go on due to the presence of another dynamic playmaker on offense. With the addition of Roy Williams, the defensive secondaries that we face will be struggling to get enough people on the field to deal with all of the talent that is coming at them. If they line up and double Williams, then Owens will make them pay. If they double Owens, Williams will see his stats soar. If they double both, our new favorite meal will be the clock.

We will run rampant with Barber, and pick up 10-12 whenever we choose to throw to Whitten. For a change of pace, we will send in Jones and let him chew up yards like Joey Chestnut with hot-dogs on July 4th. This makes the defense more susceptible to the play action pass, and the rest will be history. This plays into Johnson’s wheel house, and he will pick defenses apart until Romo gets back to go for the jugular. As for the ego’s, I think that these athletes are intelligent. They see that their road towards the ultimate goal in the NFL is getting easier with each experience that is met.

Self-admittedly, T.O. ”loves him some him.” I think that he could love some Roy Williams, too – as long as he sees the Vince Lombardi Trophy in the wings.