WILL TO WIN: Jacquian Williams is out to stay on the field with the Giants defense as much as possible this season. (
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There are so many “ifs’’ within the Giants defense, the success or failure of the unit so downtrodden a year ago is almost impossible to figure. One of the most glaring “ifs’’ is Jacquian Williams.
Is he an ascending player, a young, athletic linebacker able to stay on the field for all three downs, capable of chasing down a running back and, more importantly, running with a dangerous tight end? Or is he nothing more than a former sixth-round draft pick who shows flashes but can’t stay healthy enough to make a real difference?
Williams, a third-year player whose career has been a promising but frustrating series of starts and stops, got some work yesterday with the starting defense, subbing for Spencer Paysinger — another third-year player — who had been lining up at outside linebacker with the first-team defense.
Williams also lined up with the No. 1 nickel package, along with Paysinger and cornerback Aaron Ross subbing for the third linebacker. This juggling act figures to continue for several weeks, although Williams will likely have an edge, as long as he can prove he’s durable enough to be there for the long haul.
“I heard a quote, Ray Lewis said that, ‘What team takes out the general?’ ” Williams said. “My goal is to be the guy that we can count on, the guy that you count on you never take him out. I don’t want to come out. I want to be the guy they need, the guy they call on, the guy they can trust. That’s the goal. With respect to all the other linebackers, I’ll do whatever I have to do to be that guy.’’
A torn posterior cruciate ligament in his knee forced Williams to miss six consecutive games last season. He made it back for the last two contests, but spent the entire offseason rehabbing and doesn’t look to be moving at his usual breakneck speed. If he’s healthy, the Giants want him on the field, as he can drop in coverage and deal with tight ends — a valuable ability to possess.
“There’s no question last year was a problem in terms of continuous development,’’ coach Tom Coughlin said. “He just missed some time but he’s back on track and I hope he’s going to stay out there. That’s the key for all these people. The thing you must understand is: You’ve got to practice. You’ve got to practice.’’
Given that he is being worked in slowly, Williams said he wasn’t surprised Paysinger got the first-team reps at the start of camp.
“Nah, it’s not disappointing,’’ Williams said. “It’s just this time, continue to keep pushing forward, my opportunity will come. It’s only what, day three, day four? It’s time. I have my time to prove myself just like he will too. We all understand coming back from injury is going to take time. I’m happy they just didn’t throw me out there. I had the opportunity to work myself in there.’’
Williams is only 25 years old; the Giants and their fans will always remember how he lunged to cause a fumble on punt returner Kyle Williams in overtime of the 2011 NFC Championship Game victory over the 49ers, setting up the game-winning Lawrence Tynes field goal. At the time, Williams was considered to be a raw athlete with potential. Now he wants to be a player the Giants can count on.
First, he has to find his way into the starting lineup.
“Paysinger’s been working, he’s been playing his spot, he been practicing it, he been doing a good job at it, he’s a good athlete, he put the time in,’’ Williams said. “We communicate with each other. All I can do is continue to work hard, continue to do what I have to do to make the team.’’
Asked if his mind-set is indeed focused on making the team, Williams smiled and amended his previous statement.
“To be honest, no, it’s not,’’ Williams said. “Just handling what I have to do, stepping up, it’s my third year, they expect more from me, I expect more from myself. My team needs me and I’ll be a good part of this team no matter where I’m at.’’