Worrisome Cowboy: Will Tony Romo and Roy Williams Mesh in Dallas?

That is one of the big questions heading into Cowboys training camp. According to multiple sources around the Cowboys facility, there are worries that Williams and Romo may get off to a rough start. During OTAs in the offseason, the pair didn't click well enough to give coaches and fans much hope of duplicating the success that Tony had with former Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens. Owens is now in Buffalo and Williams is the lone soldier on the end now, left to pair with Sam Hurd, Miles Austin, and Patrick Crayton. Between these three men, they have a combined total of 52 touchdowns--that's not even halfway to Owens career total of 139. When Terrell played for the Cowboys he averaged 12 touchdowns over his three seasons, never logging less than ten touchdowns in one season. Roy's career total you ask? A paltry 30 with his highest totals of eight coming in 2004 and 2005, his rookie and sophomore seasons. When healthy, Tony Romo has the ability to sling 30 touchdowns a year with evidence coming during the 2007 season when he threw 36. With an injury-plagued season in 2008, he only tossed 26. Not a bad average right? But will he see his totals dip with Williams? If Tony can stay healthy and his offensive line gives good protection, Tony will throw for at least 30 touchdowns this season. Roy Williams will not put up Terrell Owens-type numbers, but he will have a serviceable season. Miles Austin will develop into a great deep-threat option, Jason Witten will continue to have Pro Bowl numbers, and Sam Hurd and Patrick Crayton will at least catch five touchdowns between them. However, if Williams only draws single and double coverage, how will this affect the Cowboys running game? Against certain opponents Terrell Owens would draw a linebacker, a corner, and a safety up top just to contain his deep-threat abilities. I'm not so sure Williams will command that same respect. If he doesn't, look for the Cowboys to use more two-tight end sets with Witten and Martellus Bennett along with featuring Tashard Choice and Felix Jones. The Cowboys face the possibility of having a 1,000-yard rusher in Marion Barber and at least a 500-yard gainer in burner Jones. Dallas is also flirting with the idea of returning Barber to his original position as more of a second-half back and starting Felix in a Julius Jones-type of role. If the running game manages to become as successful as it seems to be on paper, then the Cowboys stand to have a fighting chance in the tough NFC East. If Roy Williams can scrum up eight touchdowns and 1,100 yards, then look for Tony Romo to make another Pro Bowl appearance and for the Cowboys to contend for an NFC Championship berth. -JH