Williams Just Happy To Be Here

Roy Williams was targeted by Tony Romo just once on Sunday, an early, lofty throw to the end zone that fell to the ground harmlessly, after a failure to communicate, to "be on the same page," to use the vernacular.

Do the math on the above statement, and you'll see that Williams had no catches--not a one--in a dominant Cowboys' performance. This seems to illustrate the kind of 2009 season experienced by Williams, who came to Dallas last year in a much-questioned trade, and his descent into near-irrelevance in the offense.

Williams started the year as Dallas's number one receiver and he might still be, at least nominally. But in practice, the picture looks awfully different. Williams had less of an impact Sunday than did undrafted rookie Kevin Ogletree (who had a catch for 15 yards) and only a slightly greater impact than Jesse Holley, the 4th and Long winner and practice squad member who watched in street clothes on the sideline.

Many have wondered if Dallas wouldn't be better off starting Patrick Crayton; those in this camp got some vindication in their argument on Sunday, as Crayton caught four passes for 99 yards and a touchdown.

The very visible reality of the Cowboys' offense as it pertains to Williams induced a humble statement from the former Longhorn last week, wherein he expressed belief that Romo and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett had lost faith in him--and that they were justified in doing so.

Romo denied any such loss of confidence last week. But, again, Sunday may paint a picture differing from the politically correct statements seen in the press.

Whatever the case, Williams is happy regardless of his involvement (or lack thereof)--happy to have escaped football purgatory in Detroit, and happy to be going to the playoffs for the first time since his junior year of high school at Odessa Permian.

"I could very easily be in Detroit at 2-14 and be getting ready to watch the Cowboys play a ballgame," Williams said.

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