D.J.'s speed produced end of last drive sooner than Saints wanted

Sep/23/08 08:06 AM Filed in: DJ Williams
DJWilliams
Broncos reporter Mike Klis breaks down a key play from Denver's 34-32 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Invesco Field at Mile High:

The play: The Broncos led 34-32, but the Saints had third-and-1 at the Denver 24 with 2:19 left. The Saints handed off to their short-yardage back, Pierre Thomas, who was tackled in the backfield by Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams for a 1-yard loss. On fourth-and-2, the Saints had Martin Gramatica try a 43-yard field goal. He missed, wide right, and the Broncos won.

Point/counterpoint: On the pivotal stop, the Broncos lined up eight players on the line of scrimmage, with Williams on their far right. Another Broncos linebacker, Jamie Winborn, was on the far left. Saints coach Sean Payton filed a complaint with the league saying Winborn lined up offside — and still pictures and replays suggest New Orleans has a beef. Someone should complain to Payton for not accounting for Williams, who was lined up fair and square and made the play even though it was run away from him.

"D.J. was free on the backside, and with his speed and quickness he was able to make the tackle on the backside," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said.

Had the Saints gotten the first down, Payton said he would have run the clock down to about four seconds before having Gramatica attempt what would have been a shorter kick. Thus, the significance of Williams' play can't be underestimated.

Future prospects: Williams isn't resting on the fat, five-year contract extension he received two days before the season opener at Oakland. His 16 tackles against the Saints moved him from outside the NFL's top 45 tackle leaders last week to a tie for sixth this week with 28. His 14 solo tackles against the Saints were a career high, and one of his assists came against Thomas on a fourth- and-goal stop from the 1 late in the first half. It's early, but Williams has a great chance to make his first AFC Pro Bowl squad this season.

(denverpost.com)