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Roy E. Williams Is Michael Westbrook 2.0
By Jamie Mottram | October 23, 2008
For Skins fans and all non-Dallas fans, really, the Cowboys’ suck is good, and not altogether surprising. Despite “the real” America’s Team and their stated Super Bowl aspirations, the warning signs were there.
Romo always has one thing (the botched hold against Seattle) or another (Jessica Simpson), and this year it’s a pinkie. TO is perpetually on the brink of collapse, and seems to be in-process now. And Pacman’s train wreck was inevitable and only shocking in its peculiarity: He fought his team-bought bodyguard/babysitter in a bathroom.
The true aspect of Dallas’ suffering that’s half-awesome, half-amazing is the acquisition of Roy E. Williams.* They mortgaged the future on that one with first and third-round picks that are getting higher all the time. Jerry Jones also gave his new receiver a five-year, $45 million deal, one which Roy E. doesn’t deserve, because Roy E.’s not that good.
In 60 games over five-plus seasons as a Lion, the 6′4″, 210 lb. Williams caught 261 passes for 3,882 yards and 29 touchdowns. He had one good season (‘06; 1,310 yards and 7 touchdowns) and four average to below-average ones. This after being the 7th overall pick out of Texas in ‘04.
That’s not bad. It’s not like he was a total bust. Charles Rogers and Mike Williams would kill for numbers like that. But let’s provide a little context.
In 80 games over seven seasons as a Redskin, the 6′3″, 220 lb. Michael Westbrook caught 277 passes for 4,228 yards and 26 touchdowns. He had one good season (‘99; 1,191 yards and 9 touchdowns) and six average to below-average ones. This after being the 4th pick out of Colorado in ‘95.
Basically, if Pro Football Reference had the “similar players” feature that Baseball Reference does, these guys would be on each other’s page. Of course, Westbrook is still maligned in Washington and went to Cincinnati for a song, while Dallas is paying premier-wide receiver prices for Williams.
Westbrook lasted one season in Cincy, catching 8 passes for the Bengals.
* The deal was swung by new Lions GM and ex-Redskin Martin Mayhew, which is kind of like Kevin McHale trading KG to Boston, except different.
Topics: Dallas Sucks, Redskins, Stats Are Cool | 6 Comments »
October 23rd, 2008 at 9:30 AM
Key concept: Neither Williams or Westbrook had a quarterback to speak of.
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:37 AM
I can’t wait for Roy Williams to beat the shit out of Marion Barber.
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:59 AM
I was wondering how long it would take for someone to make a Stephen Davis joke. Next up: questioning Williams’ sexuality!
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Heath Shuler, Gus Frerotte, Brad Johnson, Jeff George, Tony Banks, Joey Harrington and Jon Kitna would all like to have a word with you, Stet.
October 23rd, 2008 at 4:02 PM
While Reebok makes an excellent jersey, that Wilson brand jersey Westbrook is wearing looks really sharp.
Out of all the last 4 jersey makers for the Redskins, I still think Wilson did the best job.
Before Reebok, Adidas made them, before that Wilson, and before that Starterm which wasnt to shabby, they just used to screen print the name and numbers.
October 24th, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Touche’, C. Mottram.
Touche’.