ARIZONA CARDINALS

CB Williams closes up-and-down day with interception of Cowboys

Aug 3, 2017, 9:18 PM | Updated: 9:41 pm

Cornerback Brandon Williams tracks receiver Larry Clark during a training camp practice Aug. 1. (Ph...

Cornerback Brandon Williams tracks receiver Larry Clark during a training camp practice Aug. 1. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)

(Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)

With the starters resting Thursday in the Cardinals’ first preseason game of 2017 and presumed No. 2 corner Justin Bethel banged up over the past week, confidence in the position’s depth might have been hard to come by.

The Cardinals adding vet Tramon Williams last week might ease some of the worry, but a big preseason from second-year cornerback Brandon Williams would certainly be a welcome addition, too.

On Thursday, Williams flashed both sides of what has labeled him an intriguing but inconsistent option for head coach Bruce Arians.

The 2016 third-round pick earned an illegal use of hands penalty and a pass interference as he got extended playing time in the 20-18 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Canton, Ohio.

But Williams finished his day with an interception on Dallas quarterback Kellen Moore, whose pass in the end zone targeting Noah Moore was picked off by the young Arizona corner. The pick came with 59 seconds left in the first half.


“That was a great play,” Arians told Paul Calvisi of 98.7 FM, Arizona’s Sports Station after the game. “He had just got the holding penalty and — Brandon will compete, especially when he’s playing bump-and-run. He loves playing bump-and-run, and we love to have him doing it.

“That interception should really help (his confidence).”

Williams finished with three tackles and two passes defensed before Arizona went deeper into the roster for the second half.

Arizona’s cornerback battle after All-Pro starter Patrick Peterson has remained a concern throughout camp. Bethel had been healthy and the No. 2 option, but when he hyper-extended his knee, it was undrafted first-year pro Ronald Zamort who took the snaps with the first team ahead of Williams.

Zamort tore his ACL last Saturday in the team’s Red & White scrimmage, taking away more depth at the position.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona Cardinals

Monti Ossenfort looks on...

Vincent DeAngelis

PFF’s Spielberger grades Cardinals’ free agent class among worst in NFL

PFF's Brad Spielberger gave the Cardinals' free agent class a "C" grade in his latest rankings. It was the worst grade among all 32 teams.

3 hours ago

Jonah Williams pressure Sam Darnold...

Tyler Drake

Report: Free agent DL Jonah Williams visiting Arizona Cardinals this week

Defensive lineman Jonah Williams is visiting the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings this week, according to Aaron Wilson.

12 hours ago

Casita seating at the Arizona Cardinals' State Farm Stadium...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals’ new suite options at State Farm Stadium include casitas

The Arizona Cardinals on Monday announced new luxury seating options for 2024, including custom casita suites at State Farm Stadium.

16 hours ago

Justin Fields...

Associated Press

Quarterback carousel: Bears trade Justin Fields to Steelers to clear way for top pick

The Chicago Bears traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night for draft compensation.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray...

Arizona Sports

Report: Cardinals QB Kyler Murray’s 2025 guarantees kick in

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray had nearly $30 million guaranteed for the 2025 season kick in by remaining on Arizona's roster by Saturday.

2 days ago

Paris Johnson Jr. celebrates with Kyler Murray...

Tyler Drake

Which side of the line will Cardinals’ Paris Johnson Jr. command in 2024?

Even before the Cardinals released D.J. Humphries, there was already talk of Paris Johnson Jr. making the switch from right to left.

3 days ago

CB Williams closes up-and-down day with interception of Cowboys