With right tackle Jonah Williams activated by the Arizona Cardinals On injured reserve this week, there was additional discussion about the offensive line’s role in the team’s success as well as plans for Williams’ future.
He has been out since injuring his knee on the final play of the first quarter of the season opener against the Bills. So it’s hard to really know how ready he is to play significant snaps after being out for more than two months.
Kelvin Beachum has played at a high level as a backup, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Williams plays a few snaps in Sunday’s game against the Seahawks. It would be a surprise if he started.
When asked how to get Williams back on the court, head coach Jonathan Gannon said earlier this week: “We kind of weigh all the variables and then decide what’s best for the team to this match. We’ll take it day by day. But the good thing is a lot of different guys played. A lot of different guys have played in different places and they’ve played together a lot now. So we’re just going to make sure the communication is on point, the operation is on point and we continue to play at a high level. The offensive line is playing extremely well.
As for Beachum, Gannon said, “Beach played extremely well, he really did. And he did it for us last year too. Veteran leaders. He’s a guy; he could be captain. I use his brain a lot with different things. I ask him a lot of different things. He’s been all-in since he’s been here. He’s been fantastic, so I’m very happy to have him.
Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said what Williams brings is “certainly similar to the rest of the room, in terms of what we’re asking for.” It’s about physicality, effort, energy and understanding the look, we do a lot of different things and from a schematic standpoint we put a lot on these guys mentally which requires a great communication. I think he really embodies them.
Quarterback Kyler Murray realizes how important the line is to his and the team’s accomplishments.
“It’s a very versatile group,” Murray said. “I think they can have fun off the field (and) at the same time know when to turn it on. I think that’s a good thing about an O-line group, because I say they are the heart and soul of the team. At the same time, these guys are the smartest and goofiest, so it’s great to be around them. There are so many guys in this group, so there are a lot of different personalities, but I love working with these guys every day.
As for the group’s identity, Murray said: “I think hard-nosed football. They have to be the most physical group on the field at all times, and they know it. (Center) Hjalte (Froholdt) is obviously at the helm, one of my favorite players I’ve played with. He does a great job of keeping these guys (together). (And) they all hold each other accountable. Like I said, I love going to war with them.
What makes Froholdt so special?
“I love everything he stands for,” Murray said. “He’s a guy who (when he) was in Cleveland, I think he was a third-string guy who didn’t really play much but comes here, gets an opportunity, makes the most of it and gets rewarded. I I’m with him every day. I think the quarterback-center relationship is special and I love the guy.
Gannon made sure to mention line coach Klayton Adams and assistant Chris Cook for forming an effective unit.
“I think from an acquisition standpoint, we have the right players, and I think Klayton and Chris do a really good job with those guys,” Gannon said. “There’s a lot of things that come into play, not just on the training field, but also behind the scenes, before and after training, in different meetings where they develop these guys. Not just who has 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (saves).
“Paris (Johnson Jr.) took a big step forward last month with a few things he worked on with Klayton. Fro jumped in with a few things he wanted to work on. All these guys. They are invested in their game because they know that the best chance we have of winning a game is for everyone to play well collectively, but well individually.
“They don’t want to let their team down, so they take it upon themselves to improve their game. It’s the players first, but I think the coaches do a good job as well.”
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This article was originally published on Cards Wire: With the Cardinals, as with all teams, it’s what matters first
