[Ed. Note]: Hey BTB community, if you take a look at the byline on this post, you'll see a new name. We have a new front-page author on the site, Paul Alexander, and he comes with a lot of experience. Here's a brief bio on Paul:
Paul Alexander is the host of "Bringin' It," a popular sports/talk radio show heard noon-3 p.m. (CST) weekdays on ESPN 1250 The Zone in San Antonio. A two-time Emmy Award television reporter, Paul also has extensive play-by-play experience in college and professional football. In addition, Paul is an administrator at St. Anthony Catholic High School and coaches the football team's varsity receivers and defensive backs.
Yup, Paul has a radio show daily in San Antonio and you can listen to him online. In addition, I'll be making a regular Friday appearance on the show, usually around 1 PM (CST). So please welcome Paul in the comments below in addition to commenting on his very first post.
Welcome aboard, Paul! Click below to read the post. [End Ed. Note]
I wonder how long it took Roy Williams to see the flag. When did Roy notice the Redskins celebrating? How long did Williams get to enjoy his moment of apparent atonement?
On the final play of the game, the Cowboys' Whipping Boy Wide Receiver came through. Williams got open and gathered in what he and almost everybody else wearing white assumed was a game-tying touchdown pass, leaving the Cowboys only a David Buehler PAT away from an opening night road victory over the hated 'Skins. For a few seconds, Williams let a warm wave of sweet revenge wash over him. Overpriced? Underachieving? Overrated? Hypersensitive? Take THAT, critics!
But at least one teammate already knew Roy's moment of triumph would be brief and false. Right tackle Alex Barron didn't need to see the flag. Barron knew he hadn't gotten away with horse-collaring, hog-tying and practically strangling Redskin second-year pass-rushing demon Brian Orakpo. Holding. Offensive penalty as the clock hit zero. By rule, game over. Celebration over. Vindication over.
The Dallas Cowboys lost Sunday night. Collectively. No single player was responsible for the loss. But no single player lost more than did Roy Williams. This Blue Monday could have, and maybe should have, marked at least the beginning of Roy's return to grace in the eyes of Cowboy teammates and fans. Instead, the questions, doubts and barbs will remain aimed at him -- at least until and unless he comes through again, this time with no asterisk-stamped penalty flag.
No current Cowboy has been vilified, discounted and discarded more than Williams. Much of the heat has been deserved. Williams is overrated and overpriced. He is not an elite level, "number one" NFL receiver. He is not a fluid downfield route runner, he has major difficulty getting off press coverage, he drops too many balls, and he can be petty, petulant and pouty with fans, teammates and the media.
But neither is Number 11 a bottom-feeder. Roy Williams is a big, reasonably fast, and reasonably talented NFL receiver who is capable of making a major contribution to a championship team. He is a willing blocker, and he retains unique Red Zone receiving potential. We saw that last night, and celebrated that last night, albeit all too briefly.
Today could have been and maybe should have been Roy's day. The Dallas Cowboys lost Sunday night. But no individual lost more than did Roy Williams.