Kansas City’s third-year corner is ready to fill the void in the team’s secondary.
In 2023, the Kansas City Chiefs boasted one of the NFL’s top-ranked defenses — largely due to the phenomenal play of their secondary.
But the trade of star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans left a significant void among the team’s defensive backs. While plenty of talented Kansas City players are focused on grabbing Sneed’s starting role, third-year corner Joshua Williams is embracing the competition — and is determined to win it.
“I’m approaching it like I want it,” Williams announced to reporters after Wednesday’s training camp practice at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. “I saw they do, too. They’re great athletes. They’re great competitors. They’re all professionals. I’m sure we’re all attacking [it] the same way — but 100%, I want it. I’m going to do everything I need to do to step in there and continue to compete.”
In most games, Sneed was on the field for virtually every snap. Replacing him would be a big step up for Williams, who was in for only 31% of the team’s defensive snaps last season — down from 38% as a rookie. But during the last two seasons, he’s collected 56 total tackles and an interception over 33 games.
“My first two years, I was in a different role,” Williams explained. “Now that the opportunity opened up with such a great player like LJ leaving, I’m just doing everything I can to show the coaches that I’m prepared — and willing to do everything possible to step in there.”
To secure a larger role, however, Williams recognizes his biggest problem.
“[It’s] consistency,” he acknowledged. “I feel like there’s a lot of things I do well on one play — and then, the next play, that may go away. [It’s] just maybe a lack of discipline [or] a lack of focus. Whatever that is, I want to be as good as I can on every single play and every single snap.”
Williams also admitted he needs to improve in press man coverage. But he is depending on advice from defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to refine his game into its best form.
“Coach Spags always says, ‘Growth comes while you’re being uncomfortable,” revealed Williams. “So I might be used to the regimen and routine of being up here in St. Joe, but I’m constantly trying to work on something that I’m not so good at — or something that I know needs to be improved upon.
“Just all the things that I feel like I could be better at, I’m trying to work at. I’m putting myself in uncomfortable positions. I’m just trying to find that growth area.”
https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2024/7/26/24206002/chiefs-roster-joshua-williams-embracing-competition-at-starting-cornerback?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger
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