| CHICAGO — When you talk to new Bills head coach Gregg
Williams in person, two things are readily apparent. First, Williams is intensely
committed to the task at hand, which is turning the Bills into a Super Bowl contender.
Second, he’s fully confident that his preparation and methods will produce the
success he desires. Although he demands a lot from himself, his coaches and his players,
he is clearly enjoying his first NFL head-coaching job. He also is excited about the
chance to turn the Bills’ fortunes around after a disappointing 8-8 season and return
Buffalo to the top of the AFC heap.
PFW: So, how was minicamp?
GW: Great. Actually, our whole offseason has been great. We had 94 percent player
attendance in 10 weeks of workouts, and that includes the players who were still in
school.
PFW: So, the players are excited about the direction the team is heading?
GW: I think the attitude throughout the organization is the most refreshing thing
I’ve noticed this offseason. There’s truly been a transformation of attitude
among the players — they fully believe what we’re doing is right. Also,
what’s great is that the players are the ones who are leading, I’m not. And
that’s the way it’s got to be. There are some great veterans on this team, and
they’re the ones who are leading the others.
PFW: Who have been the most vocal leaders?
GW: People like (DE) Phil Hansen and (OLT) John Fina. Also, (LB) Sam Cowart, (OLG)
Ruben Brown, (ORG) Jerry Ostroski and (SS) Henry Jones have stepped up to lead the team.
PFW: How is Rob Johnson doing with the West Coast offense?
GW: Rob is picking up the offense well. He’s an incredibly hardworking guy.
He’s a coach’s son, a football junkie. He’s spent long hours watching film
and working with quarterbacks coach Steve Kragthorpe and offensive coordinator Mike
Sheppard, and he’s done well picking up what we’re doing. … I really
believe this system fits his skills perfectly. In fact, we’ve had a tough time
defending him in practice.
PFW: Another key area for the Bills in recent years has been the offensive line. How
is that coming together?
GW: I am so proud of our offensive linemen. Every one of them has been dropping the
weight that we asked them to drop. We want them to be lighter, leaner and quicker.
We’re teaching them different and better blocking techniques. We have to improve our
run-blocking technique, but I’d have to say the two bright spots thus far are Rob
Johnson and the offensive line.
PFW: The running back position is crowded. How is that sorting out?
GW: Well, we cut Antowain Smith, so that’s one less person back there. We drafted
Travis Henry because we believe he’ll fit in really well with our offense. And we
picked up Larry Centers, who does everything a West Coast offense needs from a back. Plus,
the leadership he provides is huge. … Shawn Bryson and Sammy Morris are doing great
too. Bryson is a phenomenal talent. His explosiveness is great in the short passing game.
PFW: How about (WR) Peerless Price, who has been a bit of a disappointment so far?
GW: I challenged him early to be better, and his dedication and attitude have been
great. He has all the tools to make us a complete offense. It’s now his
responsibility to step up and take pressure off (WR Eric) Moulds.
PFW: And the other wideouts?
GW: Jeremy McDaniel can play every WR position. And he’s so smart, he’s like
another coach on the field. We’re also excited about Avion Black, who has great
speed. He’ll help us in the return game too.
PFW: Speaking of returns, how about the special teams, which have been a problem
area in recent years for the Bills?
GW: Well, everyone but Rob Johnson will play on special teams. We started working on
special teams as soon as I got there, and they’ve been a huge emphasis ever since. In
fact, I feel confident saying that no one in the league has spent more time on special
teams than we have this offseason. That’s because we needed it.
PFW: The defense lost some key players (DE Marcellus Wiley, DT Ted Washington, OLB
Sam Rogers). How is that looking?
GW: We feel very good about our linebackers. Sam Cowart is healthy and has great
flexibility, being able to play inside or outside. John Holecek is also healthy, and he
looks good in the middle. And Keith Newman is the biggest outside linebacker I’ve
ever coached. He should have a great season. … Obviously, our defensive line has the
least amount of depth right now, but we’re working to build that.
PFW: Will (DT) Pat Williams be able make up for the loss of All-Pro DT Ted
Washington?
GW: I think Pat Williams will have a tremendous impact at defensive tackle. He’s
an outstanding player. In fact, he’s someone we looked at bringing to Tennessee a
couple of years ago when he was a free agent.
PFW: Who will play the DRE position that was filled so capably by Bruce Smith and
Marcellus Wiley the past two years?
GW: (Second-year DE) Erik Flowers will take over there. We hope to use him like we used
Jevon Kearse and Kenny Holmes in Tennessee. He just has to prove he’s tough enough.
PFW: How about your top draft pick, CB Nate Clements? How’s he doing?
GW: Like all of the other rookies, Nate has to come in and prove himself. He
hasn’t proven anything at the NFL level yet. He’ll play in our nickel and dime
packages first. It’s up to him how far he progresses.
Related stories:
Q&A with Buccaneers' Tony Dungy
Q&A with Dolphins' Dave Wannstedt
Q&A with Redskins' Jimmy Raye
Q&A with Chargers' Norv Turner |
