Miles Austin became a starter in the fifth game last season and made the most of the chance. Including the post-season, Austin had 87 catches for 1,345 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games as the starter. His ability to break tackles and run after the catch turned numerous throws into big gainers.
As Austin rose, the veteran WR Roy Williams continued to struggle within the Cowboys’ system. He tied for 107th in the league for receptions with only 38. In the final six quarters of the season, quarterback Tony Romo threw only one pass to Williams, and it went incomplete.
Williams had increasing difficulty getting open. Opponents deflected 17 of the 86 passes thrown to Williams. Tight end Jason Witten was second on the club, with nine deflected passes out of the 124 thrown to him.
The story is a good reminder about just how much Roy Williams was, or wasn't, used last year, especially late. With rookie Dez Bryant now in the picture, things don't look like they will get any better for Williams this season. But, the team gave up a lot to get him so keep monitoring the situation. It's hard to believe he will just sit on the bench, but even if he plays he just may not have a lot of fantasy value.
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