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Madieu Williams already making an impact
By Shane Frederick
Free Press Staff Writer
MANKATO July 27, 2008 01:11 am
— Before there was Jared Allen, and before there was Bernard Berrian, there was Madieu Williams.
Despite being the first free agent to sign with Minnesota this offseason and despite a $33 million contract, Williams just might be the overlooked guy from the Vikings’ offseason acquisitions.
Then again, safety might not be as glamorous as a pass-rushing defensive end like Allen or a play-making wide receiver like Berrian.
In the early days of training camp, Williams is even overshadowed by his big-talking defensive backfield partner, 12-year veteran Darren Sharper, as well as two other Pro-Bowl guys named Williams — Kevin and Pat — on the defensive line.
“We’ve got a lot of talent on this defense,” Madieu Williams said. “Everybody is doing their job.”
Don’t think Williams has gone completely unnoticed, though. He’s already making an impact, according to defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier.
“Sharper and (Williams) have hit it off so well, which makes for continuity in our secondary,” said Frazier, who was also Williams’ defensive coordinator in 2004 when Williams was a rookie for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Frazier said the acquisition of the 6-foot-1, 203-pound Williams added athleticism and better communication to the secondary and made the entire unit better.
“He allows us to do something on the outside because he has ability to play (man to man) on most tight ends and even some wide receivers. So that gives us a lot of flexibility from a coverage standpoint. He’s a very good tackler, and, along with his communication skills, should be a plus for our defense.”
Williams showed off some of his skills early Saturday morning, during the Vikings’ third practice of training camp.
During full-team drills, quarterback Tarvaris Jackson threw a pass behind tight end Jimmy Kleinsasser, and the ball deflected off the receiver’s hands.
Williams jumped up, grabbed the ball and sprinted through traffic and down the left sideline for a would-be touchdown.
“He’s just so athletic,” Frazier said.
In four years with the Bengals, Williams had nine interceptions, including two for touchdowns. He is replacing Dwight Smith, who tied Sharper for the team lead with four interceptions last season.
“I’m fitting in well here,” Williams said. “The guys have welcomed me with open arms. I’m excited to be part of this team.”
A native of Sierra Leone, who moved to Maryland when he was 9 years old, Williams is in his fifth year out of the University of Maryland, where he played with teammates linebacker E.J. Henderson and fullback Jeff Dugan.
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