Good article from Graziano here about Andre Williams. Would be a huge plus for us if he takes a big leap this season. He's also looked pretty good in preseason so far. ESPN - ( New Window )
Not every RB has the skillset for this mindset. For example, Jacobs tried this but didnt have the acceleration for it. People used to kill him for tiptoe-ing around. Jacobs was more effective when he ran to the hole or made his own hole. Jacobs had long speed but it took time to build up.
Does Andre have the quickness to live by this mentality? I think he does.
I have a higher opinion of Williams than many here do. I think he is
going to be a very productive back. He's a physical, punishing runner, can block and understands his reponsibilities in the passing game, and is improving as a receiver. He won't be Tiki, but he will be serviceable out of the backfield.
He's a really great runner when he gets the blocking
I hate when people called him the tip-toe bandit or whatever because that is what he was told to do...wait for the holes to open up. unfortunately, he didn't have the best line in front of him towards the end of his career. When the holes materialized, the big man just didn't have enough acceleration to make a play. I still don't understand how the coaches could not see that and call running plays more suited for BJ like power I dives.
As for Williams, it was frustrating to see him run into the backs of our linemen, a la Trent Richardson.
RE: He's a really great runner when he gets the blocking
There was the aforementioned cut & run for ~10. There was another that was blocked ok tho an OL got pushed towards him, he patiently reversed direction and picked his way for about 6. I also think he's made a few confident smooth catches on imperfect throws, huge given how weak he looked last year (16yder in CIN was nicely done). Also noted one or two good blocks in pass pro, but haven't keyed in to be sure
and benefited from the extra play he received last year (due to injuries at the RB position), we should see the game start to slow down for AW. Hopefully it means great things. But then again, this is the Giants, the O-line is still in flux, and the team seems to still have the injury curse hanging over it.
I'm very interested to see how our RB situation shakes out.
Every guy in the NFL is a great runner when they get the blocking.
I'm not saying he's not a good RB, but let's see what happens once Sept. 13 comes along.
Well, that's not really true at all. There are plenty of guys that go down on ankle tackles, or don't have good vision, or don't have the bounce to cut away from defenders.
Point being, if you get him into the open field, he can make plays.
good for short yardage, and has promise to develop his patience and moves. One more wonderful reason to be patient and see how the team unfolds this year.
Dude has EXCELLENT patience for blocks to be setup
Good observation. I wonder if playing Rugby (a sport with no padding) forces a player to be patient and rely on vision more than speed and strength. If Williams can develop vision and patience, look out NFC east.
going to be a very productive back. He's a physical, punishing runner, can block and understands his reponsibilities in the passing game, and is improving as a receiver. He won't be Tiki, but he will be serviceable out of the backfield.
I agree I think 2 or three yrs from now everyone will say he lasted to the 4th rnd. wow what a steal!!
Does Andre have the quickness to live by this mentality? I think he does.
As for Williams, it was frustrating to see him run into the backs of our linemen, a la Trent Richardson.
I'm not saying he's not a good RB, but let's see what happens once Sept. 13 comes along.
There was the aforementioned cut & run for ~10. There was another that was blocked ok tho an OL got pushed towards him, he patiently reversed direction and picked his way for about 6. I also think he's made a few confident smooth catches on imperfect throws, huge given how weak he looked last year (16yder in CIN was nicely done). Also noted one or two good blocks in pass pro, but haven't keyed in to be sure
I'm not saying he's not a good RB, but let's see what happens once Sept. 13 comes along.
Well, that's not really true at all. There are plenty of guys that go down on ankle tackles, or don't have good vision, or don't have the bounce to cut away from defenders.
Point being, if you get him into the open field, he can make plays.
Good observation. I wonder if playing Rugby (a sport with no padding) forces a player to be patient and rely on vision more than speed and strength. If Williams can develop vision and patience, look out NFC east.
Funny coming from a guy who wouldn't go within 20 yards of Jacobs if the Super Bowl was on the line.
I agree I think 2 or three yrs from now everyone will say he lasted to the 4th rnd. wow what a steal!!