Browns’ new CB performs well in joint practice with Bills
By TOM REED
Northeast Ohio Media Group
PITTSFORD, N.Y.
On the hottest practice day of training camp, with many key defensive backs nursing injuries, the second-oldest member of the Browns’ secondary performed with the gusto of a terrier tracking Frisbees.
Tramon Williams broke up three passes in 11-on-11 sessions, got into the grills of Bills’ receivers in press coverage and beat just about everything except the 90-degree heat Monday.
“Just going out there and competing, man,” Williams said after a joint practice with the Bills in suburban Rochester. “Anytime you get a chance to go against a different team, (it) should light a little fire under you.”
The 32-year-old distinguished himself on a toasty morning when the rest of the Browns’ depleted secondary struggled against Buffalo receivers. Joe Haden, Tashaun Gipson, K’Waun Williams and Pierre Desir were out. Justin Gilbert was there in body, but his mind continues to get the best of him in the early weeks of preseason.
With each passing day, the decision to sign the durable Williams, a nine-year veteran, appears more prescient. He will start opposite Haden and not force the Browns to play Gilbert until he’s ready -- if that day ever comes.
Awarding a cornerback his age a three-year deal worth $21 million ($10 million guaranteed) is eye opening, but his experience, Super Bowl pedigree and knowledge of the position is benefiting the club. Even a Pro Bowler like Haden say he’s learning from Williams, a full-time starter for the Packers the past five seasons.
Coach Mike Pettine believes his fitness and intellect allow him to play at a high level when many corners on the other side of 30 are in steep decline. The only Browns’ defensive back older than Williams is journeyman Aaron Ross, 32, who joined the Browns on Sunday to combat the spate of camp injuries.
“Just to hear (Williams’) conversations with (secondary coach Jeff Hafley and defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil) and the other DBs it is detailed, high-level stuff about routes and wide-outs and things that he sees,” Pettine said. “To me, that’s so good for our young guys.”
Williams also knows what it means to fail at a position as mentally challenging as any other than quarterback. He didn’t become a regular starter until his fourth season with the Packers. Seven months ago, he was on the wrong side of a postseason highlight that will be replayed as long as the NFL Network is broadcasting.
Just minutes from a Super Bowl berth, the Packers blew a 12-point lead to the Seahawks in the NFL Championship Game, losing 28-22 in overtime. The epic playoff ended with Williams getting beat by Jermaine Kearse on a 35-yard touchdown. His coverage was good. Russell Wilson’s pass was better.
Williams not only has watched the replay (“I like to face my demons face-to-face”) but turned the gutting experience into a teaching tool for young teammates.
“I use that example to some of the guys who feel down some time -- I’m like, ‘man, c’mon,’” said Williams, who’s at ease discussing the most painful moment of his career. “It’s one of those things where I’ve been experiencing this game a long time and one of my strong points is to let that play go. Obviously, if I had another play I would have been a lot happier.”