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Mario Williams – May 25, 2016 Download PDF version

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Defensive End Mario Williams

(On the process of learning Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph’s defense) – “It’s fairly easy, but it’s difficult. By that, I mean he’s really relying on the guys up front to turn it loose and get after it, which is what most of us (are) accustomed to doing. The difficult part is changing old habits in general, especially with the new acquisitions and stuff that we have. We’re players who have done different things in the past as far as schemes and stuff like that, but it’s exciting to cut it loose, turn loose.”

(On what the Dolphins want him to accomplish as a defensive lineman and how that is different from other teams he has played with) – “At the end of the day (with) whatever scheme that defensive coordinators have or whatnot, you have to take it and adjust to it and run with it. It could be anything. It varies not just (for) myself, but my teammates. They’ve been other places and experienced other things. I think the biggest focal point and (what is) exciting for us is knowing that (we can) cut it loose. It’s almost like saying, ‘Go! Every time, just go. We’re going to put you in the best position for you to get after it and everything else is going to trickle downhill from there.’ I think we take it on our shoulders as d-linemen and most of us are vets across the board. We’re going to go as far as the d-line goes on defense.”

(On whether the emphasis of getting after the quarterback has translated into the team adding more depth along the defensive line) – “I don’t know. I can’t really say that correlates, because I think we’re definitely focused and emphasizing being in tip-top shape come the season, for sure. But at the same time, yes, if you can get guys that are full go and have different repertoires – I guess (you) can say – as far as how they play and their playing style … (There are) power guys, agile guys, guys who move a lot as far as getting off the ball, getting up the field. It is a good thing to have guys you can roll in and mix it up a little bit, so the offense isn’t seeing the same thing. It keeps them on their heels a little bit.”

(On his motivation this season) – “I think the most motivation that I have – and that I want to show – is to this organization. Fans are everything, don’t get me wrong, but (Defensive Coordinator) Vance (Joseph) believes in me. I think the biggest thing is showing them that, ‘You’re right,’ and that I’m definitely going to do everything I can to impact (the defense). I believe in (Joseph’s) word and what he’s putting together as a defense for us to be able to cut it loose and play to our abilities.”

(On DE Cam Wake) – “Until now … Obviously, it’s not like (it was) a day-to-day basis (relationship), but I know him. I’ve spoken to him before in the past but being in two different regions, it was one thing. But being around him, he’s a great guy to be around. He’s 100 percent all the time (with) his work ethic (and) how he goes about his business walking down the hallway or in the meeting rooms or when we’re on the field. You can tell with years and experience, you can tell the guys who are students of the game and I feel that is him all the way.”

(On what it will be like to play with DE Cam Wake) – “I think it’s going to be great. His ability and over the years with his career, he’s definitely caused a lot of havoc. I think being able to play alongside of him, it’s going to make it, I guess you could say a little bit easier. This is the NFL, but it’s going to make it a little bit easier for the guys across the front, the guys in the back end (and) the whole defense.”

(On whether he still has everything in his arsenal to be a big-time pass rusher) – “I think first and foremost, at the end of the day you have to believe in yourself and believe in your ability. It’s not about saying you’re over-confident or anything like that. If you don’t believe in what you’re doing, then you’re not going to be good at it at all. And by all means, I know that with what we have surrounding (the) defense and what the coaching staff is implementing, it gives (you) the opportunity to go out and show that (and) show what you believe is reality. I look forward to it.”

(On whether he is put in a better position in this defense compared to last season) – “The only thing I can really say – looking forward and everything – is that this defense that (Defensive Coordinator) Vance (Joseph) is putting in is definitely (an) attitude defense. With the guys that we have – and like I said, it starts up front – it’s going to be highly weighted to our attitude, and cutting it loose is definitely going to be a part of it. I’m just fortunate to have the opportunity to do it, even at this age. It’s not something (where) you’re trying to do other things schematically and things that you’ve made a name on … Doing that and (having) an opportunity to do it is very fortunate.”

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