Kevin Williams is a six-time Pro Bowler and perhaps a future Hall of Famer, but he says he has his work cut out for him now that he’s expected to take over a starting role with Brandon Mebane out for the season. Here’s a transcript of Williams’ session with the media today:
(On how tough is playing defensive tackle without Brandon Mebane) It’s big shoes to fill. I mean you guys have seen ‘Bane play the last eight years and you know the things that he does upfront. It’s tough; I hate to get increased reps because of that situation but they brought me in to help the D-line play whatever position it is, and me, Tony [McDaniel], and Jordan [Hill]—we’re going to have to take that role and try to fill those shoes.
(On him starting again) Yeah, I hope. I don’t see it being a big problem. I played a little Nose [Tackle] last year before I got out here, so we’ll just study some tape, look at different blockers, and be ready.
(On being fresh because of the rotation) It’s definitely easier to walk around during the week without taking such a beating on Sunday, but once you hit training camp, no lineman is fresh anymore. It’s been a big help to share the reps with the guys, but I’m anxious to get going this week.
(On challenges of Kansas City run game) They definitely believe in the run game—they have two great running backs with [Jamaal] Charles and Knile Davis running the ball. Great perimeter guys, make you miss if you give them the opportunity. We just have to get off blocks, get to the ball, have a lot of guys around—gang tackle, not putting it on one guy to make the tackle, and I think we’ll be fine.
(On what Brandon Mebane does well) He clogs the middle. I’ve played with now two really great nose tackles and that’s Patrick Williams and Brandon Mebane, and the two I’ve been with, they’re the key to what we do on defense because you have to look at it. The nose tackle, they get two blockers almost every play to hold up the A gap and make the plays that he makes. He doesn’t get the credit for tackles, but he makes some plays up front.
(On the challenge of taking on two blockers) You’re used to it. If you sign up for D-lineman, you’re going to have to take on blocks every play so they’re just coming from a different angle now.
(On Jordan Hill) Jordan’s working his way back. He had a lot of plays on Sunday, he got a lot of reps, and he’s still progressing. He’s a young guy and he’s coming along. I think he’ll be a great player for us.
(On if last year was the first he played nose tackle) Pretty much in the base defense. We had some guys go down at nose, short-week, and I was nominated unfortunately.
(On difference of having a week to prepare vs. stepping in last week) Well kind of how we role at defensive line here is that everyone is kind of versatile. If you watch, you notice that everyone plays a different spot, nobody’s one is in the same spot ever. You have to get your studying at each position and when your number is called you have to be ready.
(On how has it been in first year in Seattle) I’ve had a lot of fun. Definitely winning, having six wins already is a plus. Coming from Minnesota, we might have three this year, win two this year, might win six this year, so it’s definitely been a plus as far as winning. I’m playing with a great group of guys and I couldn’t ask for anything else.
(On perception of Seahawks) Watching them from afar before I got here, you could tell that they played hard, had fun, and I think they’ve continued that since I’ve been here. We’ve played really hard, sometimes things don’t go the way we want all the time, but it’s a group that plays really hard and really cares about each other and really has true love for each other and you can tell that just being here.
(On choosing to play here with fewer reps) Well sometimes you have to face reality—you can’t play 60 snaps a week going into your 12th season. If you want to play at a high level, you have to cut back on the reps and maximize the ones you get and that’s kind of the approach I get—if I get five, 10, or 15 reps I want to try and make them the best that I can throw out there.
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