The Houston Texans are shifting Pro Bowl defensive end Mario Williams to outside linebacker as new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips implements his 3-4 defense.
Phillips will utilize Williams in a similar manner to how he deployed Dallas Cowboys pass rusher DeMarcus Ware.
"I think he's the rush guy we need," Phillips told the Houston Chronicle. "You have to put him in the spot that gives him the best chance to rush the passer all the time and be your star rusher. He's got the talent. With him standing up, he lines up a little wider, and he's coming every time on a different angle.
"This gives him the chance to be the premier rusher, just like DeMarcus. A lot of players have gotten a lot of sacks playing defensive end in our defense, but the Will linebacker is the premier guy. He's just too talented to not give him the opportunity to be the guy."
Williams is excited about the change.
"I feel great about it," Williams said. "What an opportunity for me. Wade told me he'll put me in the best position to make plays, and the biggest thing that got my attention was when he said, 'Just go.' He wants me to get after the quarterback 90 percent of the time. He said, 'When the ball's snapped, I want you to go, be fast and get the quarterback.'
"When they want me to cover, I'll do it. I don't think that'll happen too much. I don't think you'll see me turning and running and covering somebody man-to-man down the field."
The Texans are sending the 6-foot-6, 282-pounder after the quarterback. He'll be in coverage about five percent of the time.
"A little bit but not much," Phillips said. "It gives you a chance to rush every play, and it shuts down the weak-side run with a big guy like him.
"He only stood up a few times. Most of the time his footwork wasn't good, but we can fix that. That's not going to be a problem. He also did some good things when he stood up."
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