WR Stephen Williams Talks Seahawks Politics

Jun 12, 2013; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks corner back Richard Sherman (25) defends a pass intended for wide receiver Stephen Williams (83) during minicamp practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Here at 12thManRising we’ve been highly favorable of what free agent wide receiver Stephen Williams (from Arizona) has brought to the Seattle Seahawks. Youth… check.  Physicality… check.  Speed… check.  Size… double check.

Since the arrival of Pete Carroll, it’s been hit and miss with the big wide receivers. Sydney Rice at 6’4″ has slightly exceeded some lofty expectations despite battling injury issues and USC standout Mike Williams was the only other successful transition onto the roster at 6’5″, frolicking to the only breakout season of his career in 2010,  but that only lasted… well, a season.

It’s not like high profile players haven’t been brought in to compete either. They just have not panned out. TJ Houshmanzadeh, Terrell Owens, and Braylon Edwards have all tried and failed to answer the bell. Which all leads into this comment by the newest 6’5″ receiver to don Seattle blue and green (and wolf-grey and white) when asked about how he feels about the opportunity to earn a spot in the rotation after being stuck behind Larry Fitzgerald for the first three years of his career. “There’s no politics over here on this team. If you come in here and you work and you bust your (butt), you’ll get the job.”

While that, and the comment by coach Pete Carroll earlier in the week that he “loves 6’5″ receivers” speaks volumes of the other guys who didn’t earn the job, it’s more a reflection of this kid’s work ethic and excitement to get a real chance to play, regardless of who’s on the roster. Williams was brought in for a specific reason and Tuesday Richard Sherman put that reason in perspective for everybody.

"I think Steve is doing exactly what they brought him in for. He’s making the big plays, he’s going up and gettin’ the ball and he’s being a big receiver. I know sometimes you get real big receivers that play small. They brought him in to be big and that’s what he’s doing, he’s being a 6’5″, 200 pound receiver. I think that’s exactly what we needed from him."

With Percy Harvin on the shelf for a while, Williams’ calling will be to take the pressure off of Sidney Rice on the other side (or when Sidney needs rest) and make some of those big plays that the Hawksneed down the field. So far, he’s been a typical Pete Carroll “diamond in the rough,” and it would be great to see another receiver emerge alongside Jermaine Kearse to put a full rotation of scary receiving threats at the disposal of RW3. There is still some work to do for Williams to stick, but he’s well on his way to being that guy.

For the full Stephen Williams soundbyte from Monday via Seahawks.com, CLICK HERE.

Go Hawks!