Reg

Web Posted: 05/09/2008 04:36 PM CDT

Tom Orsborn
Express-News Staff Writer

I’m not ready to give up on Roy Williams, and I don’t think you should be either.

Not with Dave Campo coaching the secondary. Not with rookie Mike Jenkins and possibly Pacman Jones on hand to keep Williams on the sideline in passing situations. And not with Brett Maxie coaching the safeties.

Make no mistake. I’m not a Williams’ apologist. I just believe he’ll benefit from all of the above in 2008 and flourish once again.

If he doesn’t, I’ll be the first to say he's got to go. But I don’t think that’s going to happen, and it’s mainly because of the coaches and players the Cowboys have added during the offseason.

In Campo, the Cowboys have a top-notch assistant who has a history with Williams. The former Oklahoma star broke into the league in 2002 under Campo, who was in his final season as the Cowboys’ coach. That season, Williams recorded career bests in total tackles (127), quarterback pressures (eight), forced fumbles (four) and fumble recoveries (three). He also had five interceptions, a total he matched in 2006.

It also helps that Campo is one of the most enthusiastic, positive coaches in the NFL. That was apparent at rookie camp last weekend, when he moved briskly from player to player passing out tips and offering encouragement.

"I’m really enjoying coaching a position because that’s why I got into coaching in the first place," said Campo, also a former defensive coordinator with the Cowboys and the Cleveland Browns. "I like being around the guys. I like the one-on-one contact."

If anyone needs one-on-one contact, it’s Williams, who is obviously mired in a crisis of confidence after revealing on Michael Irvin’s radio show last week that "sometimes you just hope they don’t throw the ball your way…"

But if Campo can’t get through to Williams, there’s always Maxie, who played 13 seasons as a safety with four teams and has been an assistant in the league since 1998.

Last season, Miami Dolphins second-year safety Jason Allen flourished under Maxie’s guidance, finishing with a team-high three interceptions and 53 tackles. Maxie’s secret? He stresses preparation via intense film study, something that helped him last so long in the NFL.

"I learned from a guy like Dave Waymer (the late Saints cornerback who recorded a combined 15 interceptions in 1987-88)," Maxie told FalconInsider.com in 2005. "I learned (from him) things like study habits, how to watch film, what to look for, how to help your corners out, how to look for the hashmark, down and distance, personnel, formation tendencies."

Now, of course, a six-year veteran like Williams should already know the importance of film study. But maybe what he needs is to hear it stressed by a new voice. Sometimes that’s all it takes for players to get going again – a new coach who offers a fresh perspective and a jolt of enthusiasm.

Speaking of fresh faces, the arrival of Jenkins and possibly Pacman Jones should also help Williams. They’ll ensure that he stays on the sidelines in obvious passing situations, something Phillips did often late in the season.
But, ultimately, it will be up to Williams to turn things around. Once known for his run-stopping ability and talent for making what Bill Parcells called "catalytic plays," Williams didn’t register a sack last season or a single tackle for a loss.

It’s certainly a good sign he’s talking about making a fresh start. In January, he revealed he would switch from No. 31 to No. 38.

"Eight in the bible means a new beginning," Williams said.

Isn’t there also something in the bible about not walking alone? That certainly won’t be the case this season if Williams accepts the help so many in the organization are willing to give him.

torsborn@express-news.net

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RoyWilliams

We can only hope!

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Stevemc

I remember Dave Campo using Williams as a defensive weapon when he was around and I don't recall him being in coverage as much. Which makes all the difference IMO.

Don't know if your going to be able to teach Roy to cover in today's no contact league. Now if it was Pre-Peyton Manning whining about Ty Law mugging Harrison days players like Williams and Quentin Jammer of the Chargers wouldn't seem so out of place when they were able to play like NBA players in the paint with a little contact.

Not to mention his agressive nature has to be tamed due to fines for various agressive tackles leaving him second guessing his actions on the field vs playing like the beast he was in college.