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.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Roy Williams and Felix Jones both stayed back in Dallas. Roy is a great guy and would have probably made the trip, but the training staff wanted both him and Felix to stay back in Dallas. He’s got enough problems without jumping on him for something out of his control. Watching Miles Austin yesterday may help him heal a little bit faster though.
I hadn’t heard that it was the training staff’s call. If that’s the case, no harm no foul. But it would be great if a team struggling to forge an identity would come together and be led by players even when they’re injured.
I think you may be reading too much into this. Think about the nature of his injury and also think back to last week right after the hit to the ribs happened. He was obviously struggling just to breathe and I’m sure the flight home for him was less than pleasant.
I wouldn’t be surprised in the least that would be why the Cowboys allowed him to stay back (or possibly even told him to stay). If he is still struggling on breathing, I wouldn’t want any additional pressure hitting his ribs like what can occur on a flight — it just isn’t worth it.
Fair enough.
The reason why this article was focused on Roy Williams and not Felix Jones is that Roy Williams is getting #1 wide receiver money. He has not produced ANYTHING. Felix Jones is a wunderkind that just needs to stay healthy in order to be one of the most impactful players in the league.
This is just another post against Roy because he’s not shown the fans anything close to #1 receiver numbers or skill. If Romo’s not looking his way, there’s probably a reason. If your quarterback doesn’t trust you, that says something about you as a receiver.
Whatever the case, Roy will continue to get the scrutiny because he was the heir apparent to Terrell Owens and has yet to produce a single game worthy of the controversial T.O.
Roy Williams and Felix Jones both stayed back in Dallas. Roy is a great guy and would have probably made the trip, but the training staff wanted both him and Felix to stay back in Dallas. He's got enough problems without jumping on him for something out of his control. Watching Miles Austin yesterday may help him heal a little bit faster though.