Trent Williams was all smiles last week during the Redskins’ offseason practices. It was his first time putting on a helmet since Washington was eliminated by the Green Bay Packers, 35-18, in the first round of the playoffs last season. The left tackle exited the FedEx Field locker room visibility frustrated on Jan. 10, falling to claim his first career playoff victory after the Redskins surprisingly won the NFC East division title.
Optimism is in the air, as it often is this time of the year, but Williams has plenty to look forward to following a “bittersweet” season.
“I don’t think anyone expected us to be in the playoffs,” Williams said. “To have it end the way we did, we felt like we had a legit shot to win that game. We didn’t come away with the victory so it kind of sent me into the offseason with a sour taste in my mouth. I just wanted to go out and work hard every day and come back as a better player.”
Washington was able to get into the playoffs with 15 players on injured reserve, and relied on backups to play significant roles at just about every position, including the offensive line. The Redskins had two starters, left guard Shawn Lauvao and center Kory Lichtensteiger, land on injured reserve last year, with Lichtensteiger returning to start in the team’s playoff game. Even Williams missed two games with injuries. This year’s roster looks much better on paper. The Redskins’s 90-man roster includes seven draft picks and the addition of all-pro cornerback Josh Norman through free agency.
“You get excited, Williams said. “You know that we have a legit shot. All it takes is for us to put it together on the field and come together as a team.”
Williams said he stuck to his normal script this offseason in preparation for his seventh NFL season. The Longview, Texas native will head back to Houston to train in two weeks once the Redskins wrap up their three-day minicamp. In the meantime, he’s looking forward to the competition at Redskins Park during these offseason practices, despite the lack of contact.
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“I think the team is coming along,” Williams said. “We’ve got a very talented group. We’ve just got to put it together.”
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