Should Roy Williams Play in the Slot?

Should Roy Williams be Dallas’ slot receiver?

You can’t take a lot away from OTAs and other voluntary practices. They’re putting these players in shorts and t-shirts, they can’t hit each other, and there’s a strict no-contact rule enforced across the league (which is why I don’t understand why offensive and defensive linemen are even there). But one big question on the minds of Cowboy fans surrounds the three wide receiver set that Dallas has been experimenting with. The big question is who plays in the slot if Dallas lines up with Roy Williams, Dez Bryant, and Miles Austin?

A popular Dallas area newspaper released a stat that shows Roy Williams’ stats over the middle, and quickly, fans loved the idea. Roy has struggled at wideout, yes, but don’t be fooled by these stats. They are not what you think they are. Just because Roy’s best stats are over the middle, does not mean he will be a great slot receiver. While looking at these stats you’re probably thinking “Slot WRs generally haul in a lot of passes over the middle, so Williams must be well-suited for that spot!” No.

Assuming that is a classic logical error known as confirming the consequent. If you believe the above, here’s what your mind just did:

1. If a player is a slot receiver, he will perform best in the middle of the field.
2. 2. Roy performs best in the middle of the field.
3. Therefore, Roy Williams is, or should be, a slot WR.

That theory may look solid, but that’s the equivalent to saying…

1. If it rained last night while I was asleep, the street will be wet.
2. The street is wet.
3. Therefore, it must’ve rained last night.

With the numerous of reasons a street would be wet, you hopefully now understand why Roy’s excellence over the middle doesn’t immediately translate into him being in the slot.

Truth be told, Roy is excellent in routes referred to as “in-breaking” routes. These routes include slants, posts, and ins, all routes that place you over the middle of the field. It drastically effect the stats I showed you early on that chart. So your next question is, what about Miles or Dez at the slot?

I fully believe the two will share that role with a little bit of Felix sprinkled in. Miles’s stats show that he is just as effective over the middle as on the outside, so no reason to make him THE slot receiver. Dez has always shown great athletic ability, so his talent can be used all over the field. And lets not forget about Patrick Crayton, he does have reliable hands, and on an important third down, he might be the guy to go to.

Jason Garrett has shown he can exploit mismatches, and he must be a kid in a candy store with as many offensive weapons he has. Look for him to exploit defenses with his variety of playmakers this season.

Disagree? I do welcome comments and criticism.