Football is only 21 days way, y’all. Let’s celebrate by talking about Teddy Williams.
Bio
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 210 lbs
Age: 26
College: Texas-San Antonio
Hometown: Tyler, TX
Experience: 6 years
Career
Williams was re-signed by the Panthers as an unrestricted free agent in March after missing most of last season with a knee injury. While he’s mostly been a depth player and special teams gunner for the Panthers, Williams has been plagued by being in the wrong place at the wrong time on special teams, incurring several back-breaking penalties and causing fans to scream expletives at their televisions in frustration.
Here’s a summary of his career in Carolina, courtesy of Panthers.com
2016: Played in three games and was inactive for three games before suffering a left knee injury in practice (10/27) and being placed on injured reserve (10/28). Recorded seven tackles, one pass defensed and one interception. Inactive versus San Francisco (9/18), versus Minnesota (9/25) and at Atlanta (10/2).
At New Orleans (10/16): Compiled a career-high seven tackles and one pass defensed. Notched his first career interception, picking off Saints quarterback Drew Brees in the fourth quarter.
2015: Signed as a free agent by Carolina (3/13). Played in 16 games, seeing action primarily on special teams and as a reserve defensive back. Recorded 10 tackles and forced one fumble on special teams. Tallied two tackles on defense.
Postseason: Played in NFC Divisional Playoff versus Seattle (1/17), NFC Championship versus Arizona (1/24) and Super Bowl 50 versus Denver (2/7). Recorded one tackle and one fumble recovery on special teams.
Vs. Tampa Bay (1/3): Forced a fumble by Buccaneers kick returner Bobby Rainey deep in Tampa Bay territory to set up a touchdown.
NFC Championship vs. Arizona (1/24): Recovered a muffed punt by Arizona cornerback Patrick Peterson, which led to a touchdown.
Williams is likely to make the team again this season because of the lack of bodies at the cornerback position. The Panthers drafted Corn Elder in the 5th round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but he’s been injured throughout training camp and may not even play this season, giving Williams one less player to compete with. Plus, it’s no secret that the coaching staff values his special teams contributions, even if fans disagree.
What do you think, Panthers fans? Does Teddy Williams make the roster this year?