Defensive end Mario Williams’ stay with the Bills came to an end this offseason after a 2015 that saw Williams complain about the team’s defensive scheme while others in the organization complained about his effort level.
Williams landed with the Dolphins as a free agent and had nothing but positive things to say about Miami’s scheme this offseason, but the Dolphins don’t seem overly pleased with what they’ve gotten from the veteran. Williams has seven tackles and a sack on the season, none of which were recorded in last week’s loss to the Titans.
Tennessee ran for 235 yards in that game and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said that Williams has to do more in that area and work harder overall to meet the team’s expectations.
“He’s got to play harder; he’s got to play better,” Joseph said, via ESPN.com. “Obviously, he’s being allowed to rush the passer. But the games we’ve been in, it’s been more run-first, pass-second games. So for us to be a great rushing team, we have to earn the right. ... If they want to rush more, stop the run more consistently.”
The Dolphins haven’t done that yet this season and there’s not much in Williams’ recent history to suggest he’ll be part of the solution to the problem. If that’s the case, the Dolphins won’t have much to show for their big offseason acquisitions on defense with cornerback Byron Maxwell getting benched before injuries moved him back into the lineup.