After suffering an injury as gruesome as he did in his second year, many NFL players, much less running backs who rely on their knees so heavily, would struggle to come close to their previous form. Along with some added physical preparation like acupuncture following a recommendation from CeeDee Lamb, Williams feels like the biggest reason why he’s back to playing at this level is how he’s processing the game and what’s in front of him.
“I feel like I’m the same player I was last year,” Williams said. “I feel like, just mentally, I feel like I’m on a different level just understanding the plays and things like that. And I feel like that’s what the NFL is. Everybody on the field is talented. Everybody’s fast. So you’re not going to just beat people [with] just pure speed or just talent, you’ve got to actually have a plan.”
The plan on Sunday for Williams in his homecoming to Denver isn’t one that’s marked by a personal vendetta or an out-for-revenge attitude. It’s about finding a way to help the Cowboys move to 4-3-1.
“I feel like it’s just another championship opportunity,” Williams said. “We treat every game the same. Great team, great defense, great offense. We’ve just got to go out and execute…”
“I’m just going to go out there and play my game, do what I’ve got to do, and try to make plays for my teammates.”