By: Brandon J. Wallace
SteelerNation.com
It's got to be both surreal and exciting for a player like linebacker, Avery Williamson right now. Being traded midseason initially to provide depth for the Pittsburgh Steelers, to presumed starter for Sunday night against the Buffalo Bills, and possibly the team's single-caller on defense. The "green dot wearer" if you will.
Williamson took to the media on Saturday and was asked if he was ready for the task:
"I feel a whole lot better with where I'm at. Definitely thought I was ready the first week I got here, but I wasn't. Nowhere near ready. It took a little time, I've never been in a situation where I got traded and had to learn a new playbook in the middle of the season. It's definitely difficult, but thankfully, the playbook hasn't been too crazy. That definitely helps out a lot. The coaches are definitely helping me as much as possible. I feel a whole lot more comfortable. Had a good practice yesterday, ready to go out and have another good one today."
Under head coach, Mike Tomlin, the Steelers have always had a "next man up" mentality, and several players and coaches have voiced that every player on the roster has been preparing week in and week out as if they were the starter that week -- regardless if they were getting a certain amount snaps or not. For Williamson, it seems like it's taken a small adjustment period to learn the playbook, but he sounds more than ready to step up:
"I've been a starter for a long time and I'm just ready to go out there and prove myself again."
How do yinz think Williamson will do in his increased role come Sunday night? Leave your comments below!
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