Clarence Hill
The funniest thing that came out of Jerry Jones' public support of Roy Williams at the NFL Combine a couple of weeks ago was the notion that he was giving the disappointing receiver a free pass.
As I told Star-Telegram columnist Jen Floyd Engel, who wrote about the matter last week, Jones was simply taking a page out of the Bill Parcells handbook of psychological warfare.
Parcells was always tougher on his team after a win than a loss. His explanation was that everyone else was kicking them after a loss so he didn't need to. That's when he would play the role of good cop.
That's no different than what Jones is/was doing with Williams, who has been universally castigated because of his poor production since coming to Dallas via a trade with Detroit in 2008. The Cowboys gave up a first-, third- and fifth-round pick to acquire Williams. He was also given a five-year, $45 million contract.
His numbers _ 57 catches for 794 yards and eight touchdowns in 24 starts with the Cowboys _ have been a huge disappointment, so much so that fans and the media want him gone.
So it seemed curious last week that Jones would seemingly contradict himself by supporting Williams while stressing that he wanted his players nervous and uncomfortable about their jobs for next season. But Jones knew what he was doing and has now admitted as much.
"He's getting that (criticism) from enough places," Jones told reporters Tuesday. "We don't need to manufacture things to make Roy nervous, just our situation."
He said Williams knows what is expected of him and the pressure he is under because of the contract and the draft picks the Cowboys gave up to get him.
What's more is that Jones remains encouraged by Williams' attitude and believes the fan and media criticism will make him stronger and better.
"As a matter of fact, his ability to handle things that would make any of us nervous has been impressive to me, and it's one of the things I'm encouraged about," Jones said. "He knows how to make it a positive and I've seen him do that. If he'll continue to work as hard as he's worked, we're going to be fine with Roy, and he's going to be fine with us."
At least that's what Jones hopes will happen. But don't be misled; Jones is loyal but has been known to cut his losses. He will not continue to give money away. If Williams doesn't produce he will be gone _ most likely after the 2010 season because he is due so much guaranteed money this year.
He is due a $9.5 million bonus next week, which he gets whether he is on the team or not, plus part of his $3.46 million base salary for next season is guaranteed.
For any folks invested in more and better resident contribution, that is a knock back, i believe.
Posted by: Belstaff Jackets | November 25, 2011 at 08:40 PM
Jones made a mistake and is trying to play it down, simple as that.
Posted by: DesparatelyNeedAnotherSB | March 11, 2010 at 01:16 AM
It if this article is accurate, it seems to me the best way to help Roy Uno Uno become a valuable receiver is to give him less money. I think he and Jerry need to rework his contract to a much smaller number to help relieve the pressure poor Uno Uno is feeling to perform at a high level. Give me a break...this guy is getting more money then I will ever see in my lifetime and he cannot deliver because of nerves and a frail ego. How about he sucks and is a huge waste of money and draft picks. If I am wrong let him prove it with his wallet. Take a pay cut...play better and earn the money and respect back. Just a thought. I think the real problem is Jerry can't admit another receiver mistake (i.e. Owens and Galloway) and Roy knows if he admits he sucks they will probably cut him.
Posted by: Jason | March 10, 2010 at 10:34 AM