By Jessica Costello
SteelerNation.com
There's a few constants within the middle of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense that serves as both a respected leader and a favorite among the coaching staff. Vince Williams has paved out a legacy during his seven seasons as a Steelers inside linebacker.
But Williams doesn't see himself as 'that' kind of player anymore. About to hit the 30 mark by the end of the NFL season, he says he sees himself differently than he once did as he takes the field for the team.
“I don’t look at myself as an inside linebacker no more,” Williams said at his locker after practice last week.
“I’m a utility player.”
The Steelers have had all three of their starting inside linebackers available to them, and when that happens, Williams serves as exactly that.
With Mark Barron suiting up for practices now, there's a solid chance that Pittsburgh will have their 'big three' on the field against the Miami Dolphins. Barron (listed as questionable), Williams, and Devin Bush are all looking to play during Monday Night Football.
“The thing was that we know we have three good players,” inside linebackers coach Jerry Olsavsky said. “And the thing that is difficult sometimes is working three into two spots – or three into one spot, and so it’s difficult.”
In the Steelers’ 3-4, two inside linebackers are on the field for most of the game. But as the Steelers add defensive backs onto the field, sometimes we'll see only one inside linebacker.
But we've seen a plan that lets Bush (No. 10 overall pick rookie), Barron (former first-round pick) and Williams (no explanation needed), all play at once.
But because injuries seemed to have cursed the Steelers this season, it's a scheme we haven't seen much of. But if all three are cleared and healthy for tonight's game, we may get a glimpse of that game plan again.
“I have my responsibilities,” Williams said.
Responsibilities that could include rushing the passer as he's recorded 13 ½ sacks in his past 33 games, or coverage on a tight end or running back, or even setting an edge.
According to Pro Football Focus, Williams played as a slot cornerback for 14 snaps and outside cornerback for two snaps over the Steelers’ last couple of games. He also recorded 12 snaps lined up on the line of scrimmage – in addition to 61 snaps as a traditional linebacker.
“It takes a lot for me to get all three of them on the field at once,” Olsavsky said. “…But it’s about all just working together and knowing your spot and doing your job.”
What do you think we'll see in tonight's Monday Night Football game, Steeler Nation? Let us know what you think in the comment section below!
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