Quincy Williams opens up about his history with new Cleveland Browns DC Mike Rutenberg and how he fits in the team's aggressive defense
There isn't much the Cleveland Browns need on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. However, when veteran linebacker Devin Bush signed a three-year deal worth $30 million with the Chicago Bears, a glaring hole suddenly emerged on that side of the ball.
Executive Vice President of Football Operations Andrew Berry wasted no time addressing it, turning quickly to New York Jets free agent linebacker Quincy Williams to fill the void.
The move made too much sense, especially considering Williams previous stints with new Browns DC Mike Rutenberg, both in Jacksonville and New York. Reuniting with his former position coach here in Cleveland has Williams feeling reinvigorated.
"Oh, that's my dog. He's like my brother," Williams said, Friday. "First thing before we talk about football, the biggest thing is Rudy cares about the heart. Biggest thing, what I did off the field affects what I do on the field. So that's what he wanted to tackle both things as far as like what I do on the field so I can show up as myself, show up as this personality, always smiling, and that's me, show up every single day at work like that. So he cares about that a lot."
Rutenberg mentioned Williams in his introductory press conference a couple weeks back, as he explained the importance of building relationships with his players. The duo has been building their relationship from the first day Williams entered the league.
The 29-year-old started his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a third-round pick in 2019. His linebacker coach that rookie season was Tennessee Titans' head coach Robert Saleh, with Rutenberg serving as his assistant.
They reunited two years later when Saleh became the Jets head coach and Rutenberg followed him to serve as the linebackers coach. Williams credits the Browns DC for helping him become the player he is today.
"On the field, taught me every single thing I knew as far as like the linebacker positions in the league," Williams said. "Was with me the 3 teams I've been on. So we have a good relationship as far as like what he expects and what's his little niches that he may or may not have."
That relationship paved the way for Williams to join him again, here in Cleveland. Signing Williams was a no-brainer for the Browns as soon as Bush departed in free agency.
He's a seamless fit and with a unique knowledge of the system, Williams has plenty to be excited about.
"I'll be rejuvenated, number one, for having a different team. And then I'll be rejuvenated, number two, by being in the same scheme. Number three, also him being the defensive coordinator is one of those things where I know for a fact I'm going to be put in the best position possible.
He can also ease the minds of his new defensive teammates, who may be lamenting the loss of ex-Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
"I'm able to tell the locker room or tell the defensive guys that, 'hey, we're in good hands,'" said Williams. "Let's just play the play. Let's play the call. It's going to work out because I know for a fact the relationship and I know for a fact what his mindset is and what's his why. I know who he is off the field and I know who he is on the field, so I'm here to help him feed his family too."
On thing that's the same on and off the field is Williams infectious energy – another thing he shares with Rutenberg. It was noticeable throughout his 16-minute presser and it will be noticeable on Sundays if how he describes his playing style holds true.
"A cheetah chasing a gazelle, when he first wake up," Williams said. "Biggest thing is speed, speed, speed. So my mindset is be there before the ball gets there, or be there before the runner knows you're— I mean, runner or receiver knows you're there. So that's my mindset."
Williams is poised to fit right in on a Browns defense that already plays with an edge, while bridging the gap between the old DC and the new.
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