I'm a RW homer - got the authentic to prove it - but to declare the guy average is a bit much. Granted, I want the CONSISTENT playmaker I saw in his rookie year, but for the most part, he is still a fearsome hitter, and I think his coverage skills have markedly improved this year.
Someone posted about him always being in the frame and getting blamed - case in point, against NE, on two post-game breakdowns of the game, it was pointed out how Hamlin overbit on play action resulting in plays over the top.
I'm sure someone can come in and post "yeah, but on this play.." My point is, there is something to be said for comfortability in a scheme. And I feel after his first year, RW was asked to play to his weaknesses as they were, and not his strengths - close to the line and instinctively. He was basically asked to take over as the de facto QB in the secondary with the sudden removal of Woodson.
This results in tentativeness - half a beat late on decisions resulting in big plays in the secondary - and stifling of aggressiveness - if I commit, does someone have my back?
That was not the plan when we drafted him and because of his draft status and hype, he became the whipping boy for all that ails the secondary. Look who he's played with since he's been here and tell me how he could play with abandon since his rookie year.
One cornerstone and that's been Newman. Otherwise, revolving door at the other corner and safety. And then the constant re-definitions of our safties, etc. was confusing as all get-out. Combine that with the subpar personnel we kept throwing back there and it's no wonder to me anyway, why he never looked comfortable.
When you draft a player its up to the coaches to plug that player into a scheme in a way for maximum success and outside of his first year and this one, that hasn't been the case for Williams.
I stick firm in my belief (and hope) that by the time we hit December and postseason this D, including Roy, will have their "sea legs" and we will see a CONSISTENT return of the playmaker we drafted.
But, you wouldn't mind Davis over Williams? I think a little too much time on your way home from work DD...
.
