Better safety? Sean Taylor or Roy Williams

[SlowwHand]

He was responsible for Cooley is why he was "cheating".

[-Jrabbit]

So two Santana Moss TDs makes your case? A strong safety being asked to cover a smurf is a mismatch, and Gibbs took advantage of it.

Statistically, these players are basically even.

But one's a strong safety, the other a free safety, so I'm not sure the question is even valid.

[Jaguar]

The difference between SS and FS has been on the decline for a long time. I think it's a reasonable comparison, certainly no less reasonable than comparing WLB Marcus Washington to SLB Keith Bulluck.

Sean Taylor has been playing a very run-support oriented game since he came into the league, similar to Williams, but that should change this year, because the Redskins signed Adam Archuleta, a converted linebacker, who is a clear run support specialist. Taylor and Williams will probably not be playing similar roles this season.

The Santana Moss touchdowns were the most visible breakdown of Dallas's safety coverage last year, but I'm not the first person to criticize Williams's coverage skills. If Dallas could make some sort of significant upgrade to its secondary elsewhere, they could use Roy Williams more effectively. Denver, for example, has John Lynch, who's too old and slow to cover effectively, but they keep him around for his great run support. They can afford to do that because he plays on the same side of the field as Champ Bailey, arguably the best corner in the league, so less is demanded of him in coverage.

[-Jrabbit]

I stand by my opinion:

Sean Taylor has the better physical skills, but Roy Williams is a more dependable football player.

If he ever matures, Taylor should live up to his billing as a IIRC #5 overall pick. But you can bet that he frustrates the heck out of his coaches.

[Sava]

Mike Brown...


when he's healthy

[SlowwHand]

Quite a disclaimer for someone not even in the discussion.

[TCO]

I did not vote. I think it is reasonable to say that Williams is mildly superior to Taylor in tackling and busting up interference, while Taylor is far superior to Williams on coverage. Also, if you look at salaries and the like, you will see that coverage ability is a rarer attribute then run-stopping (as a skill).

All that said, I don't think that Taylor is the be-all, end-all. In addition to his OTF issues, he has a tendancy to hit without wrapping up (lots of tackles, where he holds on to a jersey and twists). In addition, he (*don't read this BP, don't read this BP*) bites on the play action a heck of a lot. (For a guy who is supposed to be a coverage wiz, this is an issue. I think his coverage ability has more to do with physical skills then to judgement.) In addition, I fear his sacrifice his body attitude (really extreme) will end his career early.

Have to admit that I don't really know Williams so much, which is why I wanted the outsider opinions.

[SlowwHand]

Williams made Sport's Illustrated's list of 10 Most Feared Players.

[TCO]

SI and the media are a bunch of jock-sniffing Cowboy lovers. I'm still pissed from having to listen to Phylis George. At least, I got enjoy Dexter Manley crushing Danny White in 1982.

[Imran Siddiqui]

I picked Williams. Agree with -JRabbit on dependability issues. I also think Williams is the smarter player, while Taylor is the better physical specimen.

[SlowwHand]

Originally posted by TCO
SI and the media are a bunch of jock-sniffing Cowboy lovers. I'm still pissed from having to listen to Phylis George. At least, I got enjoy Dexter Manley crushing Danny White in 1982.

They picked a Cowboy, not 10 Cowboys, Jackass.

[TCO]

I'm going to start calling you Phylis, you GameLeaguer Eyes of Night buddy.

[SlowwHand]

Now that's a real cussing.