Good thoughts from Andy over at PackerGeeks regarding Tramon Williams stepping into Al Harris’ spot as the starting corner opposite Charles Woodson.
…it was interesting during the Cowboy game to see Tramon matched up on the much bigger TO (this happened 3 times by my count when another WR went in motion and Woodson dropped TO to cover that other WR). Tramon’s tight coverage on TO each time forced Romo out of his first read. And, as Kurt Shottenheimer notes, outside of the big play against Miles Austin, Tramon had a solid game.
He did indeed have a solid game. In fact, I’d say he was more effective than Harris.
This may sound blasphemous but I actually think that, as horrific as Harris’ injury is, it will spare him, the team, and Packer fans everywhere having to sit and watch the slow-motion train wreck that this season was setting up to be for Harris as we witnessed his play deteriorate before our eyes over the course of the year. Heresy? Go back and watch the Viking and Lions games. He is beat and beat bad on several occasions, the most shocking being a deep sideline route by Roy Williams, who Harris has owned the last several years. In years past, Harris would be able to use what minimal speed he had to stay on Williams’ hip and force him to the sideline. But last week, Williams just blew by him. Only horrible quarterback play kept the Williams play and others from being big gains for the opposing teams. Harris is as physical as ever at the line of scrimmage, but the dreaded ’step’ he couldn’t afford to lose? It’s been lost.
Now, Williams will be targeted, no doubt. But he is more than up for it. And for those of you who only look at the play where he is beaten by Austin for the long touchdown, go back and look where Williams is when the ball arrives. He is in perfect position - if he has the safety help he is expecting. Yes, he could have made a better play on the ball, but that play is by no means all his fault. He is a good young corner and I’m excited to see what he can do.
