Former No. 1 overall pick Mario Williams had himself a dreadful final season with the Buffalo Bills. The 31-year-old defensive end recorded just 19 tackles and five sacks in 15 games.
He also had multiple public run-ins with the Bills coaching staff, head coach Rex Ryan specifically (more on that here).
To say that Williams wasn’t a fit for Ryan’s scheme would be an understatement.
Now, months after signing on with the division-rival Miami Dolphins, Williams is opening up about his new team’s defensive scheme. All the while, he seems to be throwing pot shots the Bills’ way.
“Everything is that much sweeter as far as the mentality of this defense and the mentality of our players,” Williams said, via the Palm Beach Post. “You’re giving us the green light. So you go. That’s the biggest thing for all of us.”
Williams did have a nice amount of success his first three seasons in Buffalo, compiling a combined 38 sacks.
Though, that was in a scheme that enabled him to attack the quarterback on a consistent basis. Ryan’s defense calls for players to be asked to do multiple things. This included seeing defensive ends drop back into coverage.
It will be interesting to see how the veteran defensive end performs in South Beach. Miami’s going to need his pass-rushing ability to stay afloat in the AFC East this season.