{"id":189621,"date":"2024-09-13T11:52:10","date_gmt":"2024-09-13T15:52:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=189621"},"modified":"2024-09-13T11:52:10","modified_gmt":"2024-09-13T15:52:10","slug":"deshawn-williams-embracing-2nd-chance-with-nfl-panthers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/09\/13\/deshawn-williams-embracing-2nd-chance-with-nfl-panthers\/","title":{"rendered":"DeShawn Williams Embracing 2nd NFL Chance With Panthers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">DeShawn Williams didn\u2019t want to face his friend. But he had to, considering he was one of the transactions the Carolina Panthers executed Tuesday after\u00a0Derrick Brown suffered a season-ending knee injury.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Relieved to get another NFL opportunity, Williams indicated his initial reconnection with\u00a0Brown proved a bit awkward. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">But both understood the situation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cI told DB (Brown), I hate coming back under the circumstances,\u201d Williams said following Wednesday\u2019s practice. \u201cBut, man, it\u2019s just a blessing to be back.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Will his experience be different?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Starting his second run with the franchise on the practice squad, Williams\u00a0said he intends \u201cto do it right this time.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\"><a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Panthers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Panthers<\/a> DE DeShawn Williams talks about returning to <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/NFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#NFL<\/a> franchise \u2026 <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/RhYkOVnOrU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/RhYkOVnOrU<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WriterHawkins\/status\/1834602047699652700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 13, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">DeShawn Williams Embracing 2<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">nd<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Chace With Panthers<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What went wrong during his previous stint in Charlotte, N.C.?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cLast year was chaos and hectic,\u201d said Williams, who recorded 33 tackles, including one sack, in 16 appearances last season. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While he wasn\u2019t around for the Panthers\u2019 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Coached by Jim Harbaugh, who favors a strong running game, the Chargers likely will attempt to exploit and deploy the changes along the Panthers\u2019 defensive front. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cAbsolutely,\u201d coach Dave Canales said. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Chargers, paced by J.K. Dobbins\u2019 135 rushing yards on 10 attempts, compiled 176 yards during their Week 1 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Without Brown, the Panthers could turn to LaBryan Ray or Nick Thurman as a potential starting end opposite A\u2019Shawn Robinson in the 3-4 base defense. It\u2019s football and someone must step in against the Chargers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cFacts &#8230; facts,\u201d Ray said. \u201cWhoever coach puts out there, we\u2019re going to do our job, have fun and get better. We have belief in each other.\u201d\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\"><a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Panthers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Panthers<\/a> DL LaBryan Ray could play an expanded <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/NFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#NFL<\/a> role vs. <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Chargers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Chargers<\/a> on Sunday \u2026 <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/mVMjfkwlRa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/mVMjfkwlRa<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WriterHawkins\/status\/1834599646993211568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 13, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Williams \u2018Back With My Guys\u2019 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sitting at a locker between Thurman and Ray on Wednesday, Williams appeared at ease, comfortable in his new, but familiar, environment. Discarded early last\u00a0offseason 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. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cJust getting my legs back for football,\u201d Williams said.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Embracing the moment, Williams looked across the room and spotted Jadeveon Clowney, a former high school teammate.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cNow I play with him here, that\u2019s crazy,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m back with my boys, Nick &#8230; LaBryan &#8230;\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">After stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and Dever Broncos, Williams admitted to not embracing his time with the Panthers last season, despite the \u201cchaos.\u201d The Panthers\u2019 power ranking may be at the bottom of the NFL, but Williams understands what the unit expects him to deliver.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cMe, just being me,\u201d he said with a smile. \u201cThat energy guy. That hustle, effort guy.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cMe, personally, I think, I didn\u2019t cherish (last season) enough. So now, back with my guys, I\u2019m gonna do it right this time. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cSoak in the moment &#8230;\u00a0have fun.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For their part, coach Dave Canales and the Panthers didn\u2019t deflect accountability over the Week 1 flop.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cLast week was last week,\u201d Williams said. \u201cEveryone\u2019s going to have a game like that. We just need to flush it down &#8230; we\u2019ll see (the NFC South-rival Saints)\u00a0again. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cNow we have to focus on the Chargers.\u201d\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Following <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Panthers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Panthers<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/NFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#NFL<\/a> Week 1 debacle, WR Adam Thielen on Wednesday said he wants one thing ,,, <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/UL8HRDtUzu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/UL8HRDtUzu<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WriterHawkins\/status\/1833992974348268011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 11, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Main Photo: Tina MacIntyre-Yee\/Democrat and Chronicle-USA TODAY NETWORK<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NFL defensive lineman DeShawn Williams re-joined the Carolina Panthers organization on Tuesday. He wants \u201cto do it right this time.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4299,"featured_media":189648,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[30,36],"tags":[32813,7661],"class_list":["post-189621","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-panthers","category-nfl-news","tag-deshawn-williams","tag-panthers-featured"],"modified_by":"Will Koshover, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/189621","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4299"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=189621"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/189621\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/189648"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=189621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=189621"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=189621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}