That vantage point gave Williams a broader view of a defense he believes is trending in the right direction, a defense that didn’t allow a touchdown against the Vikings backups last weekend. “They’ve been open, willing to learn, willing to take coaching,” he said. “They’ve gotten better from the start of training camp to where we are now. I told them this morning we’ve got to start stacking these days because we’re getting close to playing a real football game.”
Williams’ philosophy has been obvious and often stated since the new defensive coaching staff took over: effort and finish are the key elements. Despite some inconsistency overall, the defense’s physicality and energy have not wavered. “You can see it when we have pads on,” Williams said. “Guys playing with good pad level, using their hands, linebackers coming downhill, DBs being physical. There’s a difference between camp and the regular season, but I like what I’m seeing.”
Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr, who helped steer the defense during Williams’ absence, said the transition back has been seamless. “We were always on the same page,” Kuhr said. “We talked every day. It was just like if he were here.”