May 20, 2007
Williams making most of reps with No. 1 defense
By Larry Mayer
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – With Lance Briggs absent from the Bears’ weekend minicamp, Jamar Williams gained valuable experience working with the first-team defense at weakside linebacker.
“I think it went real well,” Williams said following Sunday’s practice. “I felt better than ever out here. I feel like I’m knowing what to expect and able to make more plays.”
Linebacker Jamar Williams played in just three games as a rookie in 2006 before he sustained a season-ending injury.
Williams appears faster after losing eight pounds and reducing his body fat. The 2006 fourth-round draft pick is also more familiar with the defense as he enters his second year in the system.
With Briggs threatening to sit out at least part of the upcoming season, Williams could find himself starting alongside All-Pro middle linebacker Brian Urlacher.
The Bears designated Briggs as a franchise player, guaranteeing him a one-year contract worth $7.2 million, the average of the five highest paid linebackers in the NFL. But the two-time Pro Bowler is upset about not being permitted to become an unrestricted free agent.
“You can’t replace a guy like that,” Williams said. “I just try to come in and do my job the best I can and every day I am out here I try to get better. I’m not looking forward to the future with that situation. I am trying to better myself and help the team out the best I can.”
As a rookie last year, Williams was just beginning to impress on special teams when he was lost for the season with a torn pectoral muscle in a Week 3 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
A year later, he performed well with the No. 1 defense in minicamp.
“Jamar’s great, he’s done a good job,” Urlacher said. “He’s moving around well. He’s recovered from his pectoral injury. He’s fast. He’s learning the defense pretty well. He’s got to get some experience on the field. That’s the only thing he’s missing right now.”
While Urlacher hopes that Briggs returns, the middle linebacker is confident that the Bears can move on without him.
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Williams making most of reps with No. 1 defense - Chicago Bears
Williams making most of reps with No. 1 defense
Williams making most of reps with No. 1 defense
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