DeShawn Williams didn’t want to face his friend. But he had to, considering he was one of the transactions the Carolina Panthers executed Tuesday after Derrick Brown suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Relieved to get another NFL opportunity, Williams indicated his initial reconnection with Brown proved a bit awkward. But both understood the situation.
“I told DB (Brown), I hate coming back under the circumstances,” Williams said following Wednesday’s practice. “But, man, it’s just a blessing to be back.”
Will his experience be different?
Starting his second run with the franchise on the practice squad, Williams said he intends “to do it right this time.”
#Panthers DE DeShawn Williams talks about returning to #NFL franchise … pic.twitter.com/RhYkOVnOrU
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) September 13, 2024
DeShawn Williams Embracing 2nd Chace With Panthers
What went wrong during his previous stint in Charlotte, N.C.?
Well, to start, the Panthers finished a league-worse 2-15, witnessed uncomplimentary scenes like owner David Tepper throwing water at opposing fans, and endured constant coaching and schematic changes.
“Last year was chaos and hectic,” said Williams, who recorded 33 tackles, including one sack, in 16 appearances last season.
While he wasn’t around for the Panthers’ season-opening collapse at the New Orleans Saints, is Williams entering a more cohesive setting? Despite Brown, a Pro Bowler, participating in 60 of 66 snaps, the Saints scored on their opening nine possessions en route to a 47-10 victory.
Without Brown, who last season recorded 103 tackles, an NFL record by a defensive lineman, the Panthers are preparing to face the Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) at Bank of America on Sunday.
Coached by Jim Harbaugh, who favors a strong running game, the Chargers likely will attempt to exploit and deploy the changes along the Panthers’ defensive front.
“Absolutely,” coach Dave Canales said.
The Chargers, paced by J.K. Dobbins’ 135 rushing yards on 10 attempts, compiled 176 yards during their Week 1 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Without Brown, the Panthers could turn to LaBryan Ray or Nick Thurman as a potential starting end opposite A’Shawn Robinson in the 3-4 base defense. It’s football and someone must step in against the Chargers.
“Facts … facts,” Ray said. “Whoever coach puts out there, we’re going to do our job, have fun and get better. We have belief in each other.”
#Panthers DL LaBryan Ray could play an expanded #NFL role vs. #Chargers on Sunday … pic.twitter.com/mVMjfkwlRa
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) September 13, 2024
Williams ‘Back With My Guys’
Sitting at a locker between Thurman and Ray on Wednesday, Williams appeared at ease, comfortable in his new, but familiar, environment. Discarded early last offseason when the Panthers attempted to reshape their roster, Williams spent most of the summer with the Buffalo Bills, later the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was out of football for about a week when the Panthers called.
“Just getting my legs back for football,” Williams said.
Embracing the moment, Williams looked across the room and spotted Jadeveon Clowney, a former high school teammate.
“Now I play with him here, that’s crazy,” he said. “I’m back with my boys, Nick … LaBryan …”
After stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and Dever Broncos, Williams admitted to not embracing his time with the Panthers last season, despite the “chaos.” The Panthers’ power ranking may be at the bottom of the NFL, but Williams understands what the unit expects him to deliver.
“Me, just being me,” he said with a smile. “That energy guy. That hustle, effort guy.
“Me, personally, I think, I didn’t cherish (last season) enough. So now, back with my guys, I’m gonna do it right this time.
“Soak in the moment … have fun.”
For their part, coach Dave Canales and the Panthers didn’t deflect accountability over the Week 1 flop.
“Last week was last week,” Williams said. “Everyone’s going to have a game like that. We just need to flush it down … we’ll see (the NFC South-rival Saints) again.
“Now we have to focus on the Chargers.”
Following #Panthers #NFL Week 1 debacle, WR Adam Thielen on Wednesday said he wants one thing ,,, pic.twitter.com/UL8HRDtUzu
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) September 11, 2024
Main Photo: Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle-USA TODAY NETWORK
