Williams knows truth hurts

[SoCalBronco]

Williams knows truth hurts
Cornerback's groin injury last season more serious than announced
By Joseph Sanchez
Denver Post Staff Writer




Darrent Williams, returning a punt 52 yards at Oakland last season, is fully recovered from a torn - not pulled - groin. (Post / John Leyba)


It wasn't a pulled groin muscle but rather a torn groin muscle that cost Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams a big finish to a sensational rookie season.

Williams, who suffered the injury on the opening kickoff against the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 11, said he was told to downplay the injury but "I actually tore my groin."

As a result, he said he was at about 60 percent when he returned to action for the playoffs, and it wasn't until late March that he was fully recovered.

"I was in the training room pretty much through March doing little stuff, icing, stretching, doing little drills to get it strong like it's supposed to be," Williams said Tuesday. "But it's not bothering me at all now."

Seven days into the Broncos' passing camp, Williams and Domonique Foxworth have taken up where they left off as rookies last season when each made starts at right cornerback. They are battling to play opposite veteran all-pro Champ Bailey this season.

Williams and Foxworth said they feel like seasoned veterans.

"We're the best of friends and we root for each other," Foxworth said. "Obviously I want to be the starter, and obviously he wants to be the starter. But it's important to keep your focus on the main goal: to win the Super Bowl."

Said Williams: "We both had a lot of pressure




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advertisement


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




on us to go out there and play as rookies, so we always talk to each other, help each other learn the playbook. So we always root for each other no matter what."
Williams said he expects to resume his role as the team's No. 1 punt returner.

"All the depth charts right now, I'm No. 1. So unless somebody comes in and starts excelling at it, I think I'll be the guy back there," Williams said.

Duke back in Denver

Broncos tight end Wesley Duke was at his first practice after returning from NFL Europe. Duke said he agreed to give up his No. 84 to recently acquired wide receiver Javon Walker without compensation because he believes it is best for the team. Duke chose to wear No. 48 because "it's 84 backwards," he said.

Joseph Sanchez can be reached at 303-820-5458 or jsanchez@denverpost.com.


http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_3858172

[epicSocialism4tw]

Thanks socal.

I love DW. IMO, he's the brightest young star on the Broncos. A game-breaker with top-notch skills.

It's also nice to hear that Duke hooked Javon up with 84 without incident.

[watermock]

He's a tough little bastich. Just trying to play thru it shows how tough he is. If he was 60 percent, he shouldn't of even started the game. He must of played in serious pain.

The "Plan" is a fly by the seat of your pants but seems to be working. Next year we can concentrate on some other areas depending on who steps up. Obviously DT,S and DE and RB are issues. I'm not that worried about RB but we don't have that superhero on the roster. Dayne, Bell, Cobbs, Bell and Sapp isn't a shabby group.

We have a very strong cornerback crop and some help at OL but time will tell.

[Kaylore]

In the interview with 'Nique at the Broncos' website, he mentioned that Bailey said that D-wil was hands down the quickest player on the whole team. The kids' ball intsincts are incredible.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Originally Posted by Kaylore

In the interview with 'Nique at the Broncos' website, he mentioned that Bailey said that D-wil was hands down the quickest player on the whole team. The kids' ball intsincts are incredible.

No doubt. He is a rare player.

I remember a play in the Dallas game where they played a bootleg to isolate him on the TE so that Bledsoe could pick up a few yards on foot or dump the ball off to the TE depending on which way the corner bit. The ball was on the Dallas one or two yard line. Darrent blankets the TE with absolutely flawless coverage, waits for Bledsoe to decide, and then zooms at Bledsoe, makes a perfect tackle on the goal line, and nearly gets a safety. The whole time he looked poised, confident, and like he thought that he was the dominant player on the field at that moment.

I knew after that play, I knew that Darrent was a unique player. One that could even end up being the best in the business.

[Kaylore]

I remember that play, and while I agree it was good, I never get impressed with someone moving faster than Drew Bledsoe.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Originally Posted by Kaylore

I remember that play, and while I agree it was good, I never get impressed with someone moving faster than Drew Bledsoe.

Bledsoe wasnt deep in the endzone when Darrent closed him down. Maybe a couple of yards. Darrent was maybe 5-8 yards away and beat Bledsoe to the goal line. It wasnt just the closing speed that impressed me, but the headiness of the play. As a rook, a veteran QB usually roasts you in that situation but DW was in control. He baited Bledsoe into nearly giving up a safety by utilizing his natural ability, football smarts, and his great tackling.

[Kaylore]

Originally Posted by angryllama

Bledsoe wasnt deep in the endzone when Darrent closed him down. Maybe a couple of yards. Darrent was maybe 5-8 yards away and beat Bledsoe to the goal line. It wasnt just the closing speed that impressed me, but the headiness of the play. As a rook, a veteran QB usually roasts you in that situation but DW was in control. He baited Bledsoe into nearly giving up a safety by utilizing his natural ability, football smarts, and his great tackling.

I know where you're going. Usually that is a tough spot to defend because you're in a lose-lose situation. If you stick with your man, the Qb runs for the first, but you can't vacate your responsiblity to rush the passer because that leaves the target open.

I just wanted to knock Bledslow.

[CBF1]

What is not to like about this kid?

[OrangeShadow]

man hes one tough little bastid

[watermock]

DWill is like Festus. Doesn't look like much, but don't discount him. Or a Ferret with a mean streak. He tackles like a safety with unreal leverage. I noticed his play declined late in the year, the secret is out I guess. Playing with a torn groin and keeping it quiet is brass balls IMO.

[-Slap-]

Originally Posted by CBF1

What is not to like about this kid?

He's not twins.

[brncs_fan]

Originally Posted by CBF1

What is not to like about this kid?

His car

[fontaine]

Hopefully we'll get some pass rush from somewhere to help these kids out.

Lang, err, I mean Courtney Brown, uh, engelberger? Anyone?

[Dukes]

Anyone else think we really have something special with Williams AND Foxworth? Not only are they both exceptional athletes, but they are competing for the same job, and are great friends. It just amazes me that they can have that kind of a bond while competing for the same job. Not to mention both players understand the big picture (unlike #85), leaving their personal goals aside for the goal of the team. My how lucky we are!

[SportinOne]

Originally Posted by watermock

DWill is like Festus. Doesn't look like much, but don't discount him.

sometimes, i really don't know about you.

[ICON]

[ludo21]

Originally Posted by TheChamp

sometimes, i really don't know about you.

sometimes



Foxworth is awesome, man I hope he can stick with the #2, but DW is a stud, and we cant go wrong with him at all. Im glad he is fully back, last season I knew it was worse or he would have been back.
These things can linger, so I hope its fully gone!!

Duke, man what a stud as well, most guys try and get something out of the situation like that, but he did the manly thing. WTG.

[Archie]

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

Williams knows truth hurts
Cornerback's groin injury last season more serious than announced
...
It wasn't a pulled groin muscle but rather a torn groin muscle that cost Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams a big finish to a sensational rookie season. ....

So - don't the nazi's at the League Offices in NYC look down on this? Might a fine be forthcoming for Shanny and or Bowlen?

[Mediator12]

Originally Posted by Archie

So - don't the nazi's at the League Offices in NYC look down on this? Might a fine be forthcoming for Shanny and or Bowlen?

No. That would only apply if they knew the injury would be a higher risk of Not playing than indicated on the Injury report. Since he was injured and Played this would technically not be in violation of those rules.

[youcandoit1687]

Originally Posted by ludo21

sometimes



Foxworth is awesome, man I hope he can stick with the #2, but DW is a stud, and we cant go wrong with him at all. Im glad he is fully back, last season I knew it was worse or he would have been back.
These things can linger, so I hope its fully gone!!

Duke, man what a stud as well, most guys try and get something out of the situation like that, but he did the manly thing. WTG.

they should complaing that the organization didnt recognize them and ask for the highest contracts for their respective positions!

[12th man]

Right on. Im glad to hear he's at full strength now. Dwill is a star in the making.

[Archie]

Originally Posted by Mediator12

No. That would only apply if they knew the injury would be a higher risk of Not playing than indicated on the Injury report. Since he was injured and Played this would technically not be in violation of those rules.

I don't know if I agree.... I think the league has made it clear that not only the playing expectations need to be set properly but that the nature of the injury needs to be accurately described. (Unlike most other leagues - hockey being the best example).

If the Broncos were suggesting that DW was essentially back (say 90%) from a pulled groin muscle and instead he's playing at 60% with a tear - that could easily effect the way the game is bet, etc...

Personally, I like the intrigue that exists in the NHL when you don't really know - but the NFL has gone out of it's way to ensure that there is zero chance (or I guess after the officiating in last years playoffs - perhaps just a reduced chance) of the league or individual teams being accused of rigging things.

I'll not be surprised if a fine came/comes out of this...

[Cito Pelon]

Foxworth is not the player DWill is. But a good guy to have around. Not as competitive. Of course, Darrent is a superb competitor, so saying Foxworth isn't quite in that category is not a knock on the kid. Foxworth should be able to hold a roster spot for 3-5 years, but I'd like to see him play with more confidence, more competitiveness.

[Dr. Broncenstein]

Duke switches to 48.. I think the 40 numbers are money, especially for a tightend. 44 would have been cooler, but whateva