Past Cowboy greats Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders all have their doubts.  So do I…  After going to Dallas, Williams professed his love of being a Cowboy and being thrilled to return to his roots in Texas.  A college superstar at the University of Texas, the former Longhorn indicated that he was ready for big things in Dallas after leaving the perennial losers, the Detroit Lions.  Unfortunately, that prediction has not translated to the field though Roy blames that on lack of work with quarterback Tony Romo and a painful foot injury he played through last season. 

     Curiously, Williams is getting support from a former Cowboy wide receiver, all time great Drew Pearson (who as the original number 88, needs to be put into the Cowboys Ring of Honor at the next opportunity!) who says Williams gets a pass from last season and with his size and talent, should fly high this season in Dallas.  Traditionally Pearson has been a little less optimistic when evaluating the current crop of Cowboys, so time will tell if he’s correct this time around.

     Bottom line for me, Roy Williams needs to produce big time this year.  The rumors of poor practice habits better go out the window as he realigns his gears from Detroit speed to Dallas speed.  The Cowboys took a huge risk letting TO go and anointing Williams heir apparent.  Only Roy can prove whether that risk was warranted or not!

     Last season, ten of Romo’s 26 TD passes were to Owens and over the last three years, there has not been a more prolific QB-WR touchdown tandem.  Wide receiver Roy Williams only caught 16 passes from Romo last year, none for touchdowns, so he has some big shoes to fill in Big D.   The offense is going to be under critical review this year with TO gone, three losses in the last four games last season and a serious drop in statistical rankings.  Add to that, a growing sense of dissatisfaction among the fan base that Romo has the focus and maturity to lead the Cowboys and 2009 becomes a reality check year for Tony Romo.

     When one speaks of the quarterback with the boyish charm, rocket arm and diva girlfriend, are they speaking about Tony Romo or Tom Brady?  Add the “and three Superbowl Rings” and the difference is very distinctive.  Sure Brady does many of the same things that Romo does, the difference is, it’s not during the football season and it’s built on a platform of being arguably the best quarterback of all time. 

     Tony, you don’t have the stats or pedigree that Brady has; until you do leave Jessica Simpson at home and do your talking on the field.  2009 is your year to show everyone what Tony Romo is made of…

     If I hear one more time how much better off the Cowboys are this year, I’ll go nuts!  Subtract TO; hmmm that’s over 1000 yards and 10 touchdowns out of the offense.  Subtract Pac-Man Jones; hmmm, that’s knocking out the best cover corner the Boys had last year.  Subtract Roy Williams the safety; hmmm, awesome hitter and intimidator in the secondary.  Are any of those guys perfect players or model citizens?  No way, but tell me, where is the addition part?  All three are great talents and add to a football team!

     It is all about talent and how you manage it in the NFL.  If Wade is not tough enough to get the players in line, can him.  If Jason Garrett can’t manage the offense, replace him.  Not the players!  Get more leadership for the locker room!  Ray Lewis and Brian Dawkins were both on the market this year.  Yes, they had high price tags, but the object is to win the Superbowl and both could have helped there.  Jimmy Johnson valued talent and could manage it.  When did the Cowboys get over the top in the 90’s?  When they brought in super “malcontent” Charles Haley to rush the passer.  How did the Patriots get to 16-0 last year?  By bringing in Randy Moss and turning him loose.  Haley and Moss did not suddenly become angels did they?  No, they were managed by veteran leaders and strong coaches.

     The Cowboys will not be better this year without TO.  The record may get better due to a softer schedule.  The new stadium will be great as will the national TV exposure.  But the playoff and Superbowl drought will continue until Jerry Jones goes back to the formula that made the Team of the 90’s, strong coaching and stronger players.