Parcells keeping Williams on his toes

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http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-flspdolnote26sbaug26,0,3994634.story

Parcells keeping Williams on his toes

By Omar Kelly
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

August 26, 2008

DAVIE - Ricky Williams is doing his best to sum up why he's still in the NFL, why he continues to excel in the exhibition season, what drives him to keep playing a game he tolerates more than loves, and here comes his biggest fan stealing his spotlight.

"Ricky Williams, Heisman Trophy winner plays for the Miami Dolphins," Bill Parcells repeatedly yells while mimicking the Heisman pose over and over again.

Williams knows Parcells, the Dolphins vice president of football operation, is always watching, often cheering him on, and most importantly, always critiquing.

He admits having Parcells in his corner has been a source of motivation in his third return to the NFL, and the Dolphins.

"He's always looking. In one way, that's a lot of pressure, but it keeps me sharp," said Williams, who is averaging 4.5 yards per carry during the preseason.

Not only have the past few months taught Williams that he wants to play football again, but he had a recent epiphany that he wants to be considered one of the NFL's elite tailbacks again.

"I like the fact that I have an opportunity to be the best at what I do, and that's what my motivation is. That's what drives me. I'm just starting to realize that," said Williams, whose 1,853 rushing yards led the league in 2002.

"That's why I'm out here still playing. That's why I'm doing this thing. That's why I push myself," said Williams, who is presently listed ahead of Ronnie Brown on the depth chart.

"I don't feel comfortable not striving to be the best. Not that I'm always going to be the best.

"It at least has to be a dream, something I can get a glimpse of."


LT Sosa signs

While most NFL teams are making cuts, the Dolphins added undrafted rookie free agent Pedro Sosa from Rutgers, a left tackle whose draft status plummeted because of a knee injury.

Sosa's signing gives the Dolphins 72 players, three under the league limit for roster sizes, which must be cut to 75 today. The Dolphins are expected to make a few waiver claims this week.

Because of their 1-15 record, the Dolphins have first dibs on all players waived who have less than four years of experience.


Injury update

Starting linebacker Joey Porter left Monday's practice early to have a specialist examine his sore back. The coaches are experimenting with rookie defensive end Phillip Merling playing in Porter's place as an outside linebacker. ...

Cornerback Joey Thomas sat out practice because of a possible concussion.