Aeneas Williams: The Ultimate Professional
By Rams Nation's Brad Williams
The statistics Williams has amassed over his career make him a no-brainer
for Canton. Despite playing on some weak Phoenix/Arizona Cardinal teams, Williams
never showed the signs of playing for a “loser” as he became one
of the leaders in about every category for cornerbacks despite teams trying
to avoid throwing at him. All-90’s team, over 50 career interceptions,
7 Pro Bowls, etc. While he was well-respected by opposing QB’s and the
people who really follow football, his quiet, no-nonsense approach and how little
he talks about himself didn’t make him a household name. That changed
when he was traded to the Rams who are on the radar screen of even the most
casual of fans.
What people started to realize about Williams is that besides his attitude
and work ethic, he’s not a typical defensive back. Williams was playing
very physical and supporting run defense while others were totally enamored
with pure coverage cornerbacks like Deion Sanders. Since an impromptu move to
free safety this year, fans have seen even more of what kind of a hitter Williams
is. Paired with Adam Archuleta, the Rams likely have the most physical safeties
in the NFL.
Besides the natural leadership Williams brings to the Rams, he also brings
a wealth of knowledge and experience he can share with the Rams’ young
corners. For a lot of NFL secondaries, losing your starting cornerbacks from
the previous season and replacing them with two young and pretty inexperienced
players means some real scary afternoons. While it is a credit to Fisher and
Butler that they have held-up well in their first year as starters, having Williams
at free safety who is also used occasionally as a corner is quite a security
blanket on and off the field.
Interestingly, the price the Rams paid to get Williams via trade is going to
sound pretty familiar to Rams’ fans: 2nd and 4th round choices. It worked
well with Marshall Faulk and has certainly been another great trade for the
Rams.
All the accolades and awards likely don’t mean near as much to Williams
as the one he hasn’t yet received: a Super Bowl ring. This could change
soon and if it does, he’ll be a big part of how the Rams even got into
that situation to begin with.
Brad Williams
bwilliams@fairburn.com