As Wednesday comes to an end, so does Terrell Owens’ tenure in Dallas. That’s right, the Cowboys released the oft-troubled wide receiver and are moving on with Roy Williams as their number 1 wide out. So it seems.
What does this mean for the Cowboys? Well a few things are certain, most notably being that the Cowboys can add an extra $600,000 to Owens cap hit for the 09 season, and remove all production for that money, totaling more than $9 million dollars.
And arguably the second most notable point is who will be filling his shoes. It’s no secret or stretch of the imagination that Roy Williams, the former Detroit Lion, will take over the top spot for Owens, and maybe that’s a good thing, maybe it’s not. It’s widely thought that Williams is a bust for the Cowboys considering his lack of production in 2008 with the team, though to some degree his numbers must be discounted both his abbreviated time in a Cowboys jersey, and his lack of flow and opportunity during that time.
A big issue this past season was the concern of the wide receiving corps that QB Tony Romo favored his tight end a little too much. While no one can discredit Jason Witten as a solid go-to guy on the field, Owens, Williams, and Patrick Crayton all felt the ball could be spread a little better amongst the receivers.
It started with a secret meeting between the three top receivers and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett in December, and has now ended with the release of Owens. You might wonder if that’s true, that it’s ended here tonight, but consider this … With Owens out, there’s another 60-90 balls up for grabs, based on his time in Dallas.
So even with the three headed monster of a running game in Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice, Williams, Crayton, and Witten all stand to get a few more sent their way. But that’s not all.
With less top options for Romo to throw to, Roy Williams will not only be the top guy spread wide, but he’ll benefit from the extra practice reps as the feature receiver in Dallas. This could be just the thing he needs to step up and end all doubt of his worthiness of the draft picks Jerry Jones gave Detroit for him last season.
Williams joined us in week 6, mere hours before the trade deadline in the NFL, and during a three game stint with Romo benched due to an injury on his throwing hand. Between the inconsistent play at quarterback and Owens complaining about getting more involved in the offense, Williams was shuffled down the priority list a bit. Williams’ adjustment to the system in Dallas was hindered, something that stayed with him for the remainder of the season.
This is a move many wanted, and many feared, but in all it looks to be a decision that can take this team to a new place. And after a touted Super Bowl contending team went 9-7 in 08, a new place is a great start.
Btreece are you serious a new direction,who is going to take T.O.s place,please tell me there is something else in the works because rite now our offense is all about the run our passing game is dead just keep your eye on the tightend and the game is simple
It’s about time. I hope he goes to Detroit or Oakland or even to them deadskins. Let’s see them cope with him. He is a jerk who can never get along with anyone and I’m sure you cowboy fans are glad to see him go.
I am serious, a new direction, that’s the point of releasing a starter, to go a different direction. Worst case scenario people only wondered if the Roy Williams trade cost was too high, that means most thought he could be worth that much. He’ll be playing at his best now being the number one guy. Miles Austin, out speed threat, will get more reps as well since he could be the number 2 if he out plays Crayton.
With the running game like it is, the passing game doesn’t have to be spectacular to do good. This may not be a move that we all like fully, but it will work out good for the team.