Mario Williams is pretty comfortable as he takes part in his first training camp with the Bills.
Well, as comfortable as he can be.
“This is my first time being away from home because typically we would have camp in town (in Houston),” Williams said. “This is a little different. When I got here, guys were like, ‘Did you call ‘Rent-A-Center?’ and I was like, ‘No, I didn’t call Rent-A-Center.’ Nobody even told me until I got here. We’re sleeping on twin-size beds and no TVs.”
“It is not a big deal, but I just didn’t know [the setup], so it was a shock. This is my first time ever being away from home for a camp, so it is definitely different, but it’s cool. We are here to take care of business.”
Williams has wasted little time getting down to business, even as he figures out how to fit his 6-foot-7, 300-pounds-plus frame onto a set of twin mattresses. The Bills are counting on the prized free agent acquisition to improve their anemic pass rush from one year ago, when they finished in a four-way tie for 27th in the league in sacks with just 29. So far, he’s delivered the goods, living up to the hype that comes with having the richest contract for a defensive player in NFL history.
At Saturday’s practice, Williams put on a pass-rushing clinic at times.
At the start of one-on-one drills, he was matched up against backup right tackle Sam Young, who was filling in for the injured Erik Pears (groin).
Young never had a chance. Williams bull-rushed Young on his first opportunity, driving him 10 yards or so toward the opposing sideline as if he were a blocking sled. It was an incredible display of power and brute force.
Later, in a two-on-two drill, Williams got to the “quarterback” -- as assistant equipment manager Woody Ribbeck stood in place of an actual QB -- with such ferocity that he chased Ribbeck all the way to the other end of the field. Ribbeck looked like he was running for his life -- and in some ways, he might have been.
It was an eye-opening performance by the defensive line throughout the session, led by Williams. Fellow linemen Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams also generated their share of pressure, and were no doubt helped by the presence of the newcomer up front.
Dareus was downright giddy when asked about Williams on Sunday, flashing a smile from ear to ear.
He’s probably not the only one smiling.
“When I first met him, it’s like, the guy is the strongest guy I’ve ever met in my life,” Dareus said. “When we’re going out there playing, he runs just as hard, he gives everything. He’s a part of the team, he’s not distancing himself. He’s a real good dude on top of everything and a phenomenal player. It’s crazy. We’re going to have fun this year.”
For more updates, follow Bills correspondent Mark Ludwiczak on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLBUF and @MarkLud12.
Mario Williams 'right at home' with Bills
Not accustomed to having training camp away from the creature comforts of home, the prized free agent pickup hopes to quickly adapt and fill an important need on Buffalo's defense.
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2 min read