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**RoyWilliams** · 07-30-2007, 07:11 PM

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A new defensive scheme and a new partner in the secondary aren't the only factors in Roy Williams putting on a show at Dallas Cowboys training camp.

His new look has also played a role.

Weighing 221 pounds — 8 pounds less than last season and considerably lower than the 246 pounds he ballooned to while vacationing in the offseason — the Pro Bowl strong safety is roaming the field like a hungry rookie.

"It's a huge difference for me," said Williams, a five-year veteran. "I'm flying around, man. I'm full of joy and a whole bunch of energy."

The team's receivers can attest to that. Last week, Williams laid out Terry Glenn and Miles Austin.

"He really energizes the defense when he does that," coach Wade Phillips said of Williams, one of the league's most explosive hitters.

The Cowboys wanted Williams at 225 pounds for the start of camp, but that wasn't enough for him.

"I challenged myself to go lower," said Williams, who turns 27 next month. "It's for me, something I wanted to do. I'm down to the weight I was when I first got here."

The weight loss should help Williams get to the ball carrier quicker, which is crucial in Phillips' version of the 3-4. It's much more aggressive than the style the Cowboys used last year and calls for Williams to move closer to the line of scrimmage, a change made easier by the addition of free safety Ken Hamlin.

Williams will even line up at nickel linebacker in obvious passing situations and have the green light to blitz. It's reminiscent of the way the Cowboys used him his first two seasons when he was paired with free safety Darren Woodson, who retired in 2004.

"It's cool to be back down there (close to the line of scrimmage), but to be an all-around good player you have to be able to do a lot of things," Williams said. "I can't be one-minded about being in the box. You have to be able to cover, too."

Williams' coverage skills were called into question the last two seasons after he appeared to get burned on several deep throws. He says the criticism was often unwarranted because he was only coming to the aid of teammates after coverage already had broken down.

"It's unfair because sometimes you guys (the media) really don't know what you're talking about," Williams said. "It's the truth. But it is what it is. You guys have to sell papers.

"Now, I will admit it when I gave up a touchdown that was on me. But a lot of that stuff that got put on me last year and the year before, it wasn't even my zone."

Williams says he's learned to live with the criticism.

"It's OK to get criticized," Williams said. "Jesus was criticized. He was persecuted. So I can't ... I mean, what makes me any different?"

One big difference this season is the presence of Hamlin, who the Cowboys signed in free agency to a one-year deal for $2.5 million. The four-year veteran is another big hitter and is an upgrade in coverage over the players who split time at free safety last season.

"We're building a great chemistry," Williams said.

Cornerback Terence Newman agreed.

"That's probably going to be the best marriage that's going to happen in the league this season," Newman said. "When I first got to Dallas, Roy was allowed to roam around and make plays because Woody was back there. And now this scheme (and Hamlin) allows him to do pretty much the same thing."

**BeastJacobs** · 07-30-2007, 07:12 PM

He'll still knock the sh*t out of people.

**RoyWilliams** · 07-30-2007, 07:13 PM

Well thats a given, but the slimming down part is what i like to hear, i didnt want him a biscuit away from being a linebacker.

**BeastJacobs** · 07-30-2007, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyWilliams

Well thats a given, but the slimming down part is what i like to hear, i didnt want him a biscuit away from being a linebacker.

It'll help with his coverage probably too, he's probably just a lean piece of muscle out on the field.

Love watching The J-Train run over this fool.

**RoyWilliams** · 07-30-2007, 08:21 PM

Meh and fumble, i think we had this convo already.

**falconstorm** · 07-31-2007, 11:06 AM

lean= better coverage and speed. So does this mean he is a lean mean hitting machine?

**BucBaller** · 07-31-2007, 11:14 AM

Anyone else find the United Way commerical weird? I mean a guy that knocks the **** out of people pushing little kids. Anyway............wish the guy was a Buc.

**BeastJacobs** · 07-31-2007, 11:16 AM

Yeah pushing kids on a swing, and all the kids are dumb, so they don't pump to keep themselves going.

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