[Bryan88]

Vikings safety is thrilled to start over

Vikings safety Madieu Williams isn't about to criticize the Cincinnati Bengals or say anything derogatory about a franchise that far too often seems to fall victim to the antics of receiver Chad Johnson. But it's safe to say Williams seems very happy to be in a new environment.

"For the most part, when I was down there, I never allowed it to get to me," he said Saturday, the second day of the Vikings' weekend minicamp. "You still have to come to work, you still have to do your job. On any given day, and minus the sideshow. But to come here and realize the things that Coach [Brad] Childress always preaches. That this is a team. It's about we, us and the team. It's an approach that everybody has adopted. I think it's going to serve us well."

Williams, who spent the first four seasons of his career with the Bengals, received a six-year, $33 million free-agent deal from the Vikings in March, including $13 million in guarantees.

The Vikings believe Williams, 26, will be a top-notch cover safety and thus enable fellow safety Darren Sharper to be that much more effective. He replaces the departed Dwight Smith, who had some off-the-field troubles in Minnesota -- Williams is known for his extensive community work.

Improving pass coverage was a key focus for the Vikings after finishing last in the NFL in that category in 2007. The trade for Kansas City Pro Bowl right end Jared Allen created the biggest splash in this area, but Williams could help solve some of the issues in the secondary.

"I'm really excited about his cover ability, his smarts, his athleticism," Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said. "I just feel like he's going to be a great addition to what we're trying to do. He gives us some flexibility from a coverage standpoint whether we're playing Cover-2 or a man coverage. He can do both and do them very well."

Frazier is very aware of Williams' strengths, having served as Bengals defensive coordinator during Williams' rookie year in 2004. Williams, a second-round pick, got starts at both safety positions and at cornerback for the Bengals that season as he played in all 16 games.

The Bengals continued to move him around in coverages in third-down situations last season, creating matchups that took advantage of his ability in coverage. Frazier likely is looking forward to having that option when opponents go to multiple-receiver sets.

"It's just one of those things where I don't look at it as playing corner or safety," Williams said. "I just look at it as I'm covering a guy."

That ability should make Sharper that much better. "It will be a good complement just because of [Williams'] cover ability and Darren's ability to be a ballhawk," Frazier said. "We all know what [Sharper has] done as far as interceptions are concerned. So hopefully this will free him up."

Williams had nine interceptions and 26 pass breakups with Cincinnati. Those numbers were affected by his injury issues. He missed all but four games in 2005 because of a shoulder injury and sat out three of the final four games in 2007 after hurting his quadriceps.

But Williams said he feels fine and is looking forward to his new start.

"Any time you change an outfit, you've got to look at it as a fresh start because you're no longer doing the same things that you're accustomed to," he said. "It's a new beginning, new situation. You have to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. ... Just getting acclimated to doing things the Vikings way. I welcome it. I welcome the change and I'm looking forward to it."

[Bette]

Hmm the injury thing bothers me. Otherwise if he's healthy and stays that way, he could be a really great addition.
No matter what he says, the circus atmosphere in Cincinnati had to bother him. Dont see how it couldnt. So healthy in mind and body, could be a good thing.

[Bryan88]

Originally Posted by Bette

Hmm the injury thing bothers me. Otherwise if he's healthy and stays that way, he could be a really great addition.
No matter what he says, the circus atmosphere in Cincinnati had to bother him. Dont see how it couldnt. So healthy in mind and body, could be a good thing.

Yeah, I am sure it had to bother him to a certain point, he just doesn't really want to throw his old team under the bus too much. I am expecting a big year out of him and he should help the D tremendously.