A Steely Attitude Williams’ Stance Can’t Be Beat
When Willie Williams was a Pittsburgh Steeler, the defense had an attitude.
“The attitude was, ‘We can’t be beat,”’ Williams said. “That’s the attitude we have to have with the Seahawks.”
Williams joined Seattle in February when he signed a four-year, $8.7 million contract.
Consider his attitude a bonus.
He joins a revamped Seahawks secondary. Gone are ‘96 corners Corey Harris and Carlton Gray and safety Robert Blackmon.
Williams and Fred Thomas are at the corners and Bennie Blades is at safety. First-round draft pick Shawn Springs is expected to take over at left corner, provided he signs a contract soon.
“We’ve got a whole lot of attitude back here, but that’s what you need,” Williams said. “Bennie Blades is big, like (Pittsburgh’s) Carnell Lake.
“It seems like we’re coming together in Cheney. We don’t have anything else to do but hang out with the guys, so we’re starting to know one another.”
It has taken time, especially just after he signed.
“At first, it was kind of hard because I didn’t know anybody,” he said. “I was quiet, feeling everybody out and seeing what they do for fun. Now it’s really relaxed and we’re having fun.” It’s even fun chasing receiver Joey Galloway in 90-degree weather.
“That’s the best work a defensive back can get,” Williams said. “They told me he was fast and I was like, ‘How fast can he be?’ When I went up against him it was ‘Wow.’ He surprised me.”
Williams, 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, led the AFC with seven interceptions in 1995. He has started in the Super Bowl.
His expectations are high.
“There is no reason why this team can’t win championships,” he said. “Why not talk about championships. Everybody else is - Green Bay, Dallas, I’m sure Pittsburgh is. We’ve just got to get that attitude.”
Negotiations move forward
Seattle has made progress in contract talks with Springs, according to vice president Randy Mueller. Talks continued Wednesday night.
“We are closing the gap, but we’ve got a ways to go,” Mueller said. “Once Darrell Russell (signed with Oakland), I think that gave (Springs’ agents) some assurances that maybe our deal isn’t so bad.”
Mueller said it’s possible face-to-face meetings will be held later this week when the Seahawks play Minnesota on Saturday in Canton, Ohio. Springs and his agents are in Ohio.
Executive vice president Mickey Loomis talked with Walter Jones’ agent, but Mueller wasn’t certain if progress was made.
Said coach Dennis Erickson: “I’d be surprised if we practiced Monday and they both weren’t here,” he said.
Kitna shines
Quarterback Jon Kitna directed a near-flawless scoring drive during a 2-minute offense drill. Playing with the second unit, Kitna went 4 of 4 for 54 yards, the last completion spanning 31 yards and a TD to Eddie Goines.
John Friesz hit his first five passes in the same drill and positioned the No. 1 offense for a 32-yard field goal. However, holder Rick Tuten mishandled the snap.
Friesz and Warren Moon will split time in the first half of Saturday’s preseason game with Minnesota. Kitna and Gino Torretta are expected to split second-half plays.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo