Arizona Cardinals’ cornerback Brandon Williams appears ready to soar
By Jim Koch
Cornerback Brandon Williams is looking to prove to the Arizona Cardinals that he’s ready to be the team’s number-two cornerback
The Arizona Cardinals’ coaching staff must have enjoyed what they were seeing this past Saturday night. The club has been waiting for someone, anyone, to step up and win the team’s number-two cornerback job. The Cards’ wishes may finally be coming true.
It was during Arizona’s 24-23 preseason loss to the Chicago Bears that Brandon Williams played perhaps his finest game since entering the NFL. The 2016 third-round draft pick played like a man possessed, showing Cardinals’ management everything he failed to show them last season. Hopefully there’s alot more where that came from.
In the competition for the starting gig opposite Patrick Peterson, Williams appeared to be a distant third. Justin Bethel, handed the assignment earlier this offseason, and newcomer Tramon Williams both looked to be ahead of him. That may no longer be the case.
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Brandon Williams was spot-on in coverage during his squad’s clash with the Bears. He also played with fire and grit, not previously seen in any Cards’ cover guy not named Peterson. In doing so, he may have staked his claim to the most talked-about post in recent Arizona history.
The other two candidates in the race didn’t come close to duplicating Williams’ prowess on the field versus Chicago. Bethel was his usual unimpressive self. He did manage to knock away a Mike Glennon pass that had zero velocity on it, a play that any cornerback in the league could’ve made. He also was called for holding on a play that he clearly had safety help on, a penalty that showed a total lack of confidence in his ability.
Tramon Williams looked like an aging 34-year old who’s career is nearing it’s end. He was beaten by wide receivers who will most likely be making a living doing something else in a few weeks. He also dropped a gift interception that hit him in the wrong place, his hands.
If the Cardinals were smart, they’d give Brandon Williams a shot to compete against the Atlanta Falcons’ starters this upcoming weekend. The coaches need to give up the concept of force-feeding Bethel to the fan base. Though he’s a solid tackler, his limited coverage skills are a detriment to the defense.
Brandon Williams may finally repay Steve Keim for the faith he showed in drafting the former running back. If he pans out, the second-year pro will make the Cards’ general manager look like a genius He’ll also make his detractors (including yours truly) eat their words.