Mario Williams, who has played defensive end during his five seasons in the NFL, will get a change of scenery in 2011. Wade Phillips, the Texans' new defensive coordinator, plans to use Williams as an outside linebacker in Houston's new 3-4 defense. Williams will stand up in running situations and be down in passing situations, according to the Houston Chronicle. Phillips, the former head coach of the Cowboys, would like to use Williams much like he used linebacker DeMarcus Ware in Dallas. At 6-6 and 290 pounds, Williams would be one of the biggest linebackers in NFL history."We've got some options with him," Texans general manager Rick Smith said on Pro Football Talk Live. "I think Mario is athletic enough to do anything Wade would ask him to do in this defense. I think that gives us flexibility more than anything." Source: Sporting News
hes clearly going to rush the passer every play, especially since hes naturally good against the run already. wont see williams in coverage much so this doesnt really change anything
I see a big change in him playing with his hand off the ground. He has the pass rushing skills that playing the end, he would destroy most guards.
This, he might take a few token zone drops, or play a flat zone here and there but he's gonna rush the passer just about every play. No big deal
I have a question for Mr. Phillips.... [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Bs4-LtLlc0]YouTube - You, Yes You, Did Something Stupid[/ame] They should go ahead and make Duane brown a kick returner too.
He'll be fine. Greg Ellis made the Pro Bowl as a OLB and he is just as much an ill fit and half as gifted as Williams. Ya, he will be utterly horrid (just like every other 3-4 Olb) in coverage, but he might even improve as a pass rusher
