Gregg Williams talks philosophy, discipline and bountygate

Nov 30, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis (55) calls a play during the first half against the Oakland Raiders at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated Oakland 52-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Some coaches wont allow players to dictate the action because of ego, but it’s imperative to have a play caller on the defensive side of the ball. He spoke of empowering players to have an impact on the game, and spoke very highly of the progress the Rams defense has made since last season,

"“They really came light years last year from the bye date on.”"

The game has changed so drastically in such a short period of time that most casual fans don’t realize the tax on these player’s minds. It’s easy to see the toll their bodies take, but what about the mental tasks. Claiborne posed the question of whether or not Williams felt coaches asked to much of players in that 30-40 second window prior to the play.

"“I really believe we have cluttered up the minds of athletes.”"

He would expand on that by saying the best coaches and teachers take something very complex and break it down to it’s simplest form. It’s important to create information that can be digested in that extremely small window of 30 seconds prior to the snap. It could mean the difference between a successful stop, or giving up a big play. That’s the mental chess match that football quietly provides.

“I will not compromise effort, and these guys (Rams players) have bought into that. I don’t care where you’re drafted or how much money you make, there’s a certain way you have to play the game.”

The interview moved into Williams’ practices and policies on player conditioning and how he handles the disciplinary aspects of the game. Williams said he tends to lean towards the old school practices, which isn’t surprising given how long he’s been involved in the game.

"“I will not compromise effort, and these guys (Rams players) have bought into that. I don’t care where you’re drafted or how much money you make, there’s a certain way you have to play the game.” Williams had a great line when he mentioned how he sees players that are too tired, or down on the ground when they shouldn’t be. He said “The song I sing in my head is cut me, cut me, cut me.”"

If that doesn’t give you an idea about his intensity, I’m not sure anything will.

When the topic of BountyGate came around, Williams was blunt but to the point. Williams said:

"“That was a difficult year in a lot of ways because there was a lot of information that was misinformation that got out and I’m the only person in the whole deal that never said anything. I never said a word. Everybody got out there and pushed their information one way or the other and I didn’t. One of the things was it was on my watch, but there was nothing that hasn’t been done in the last 50 years in the sport and there was nothing done to try to hurt somebody.”"

He would go on to elaborate and readers should check out the full audio to hear more about the scandal.

The St. Louis defense will get another dose of Williams in his second full year as defensive coordinator in 2015. Many analysts peg them as a top 10 defense if the pieces really come together. After returning all 11 starters the Rams may have what it takes to fulfill those predictions.