Five Bengals Who Will Be Vital on Two-Point Conversions

Dec 1, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals safety Shawn Williams (40) celebrates after a special teams stop during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. The Bengals won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Shawn Williams

The Bengals are looking for safety Shawn Williams to step up in his third season.  Williams has been “knocking at the door” for some time, but the stellar play of starting duo Reggie Nelson and George Iloka has kept him on the bench for possibly longer he’d typically have been.

Shawn Williams is a highly capable “box safety.”  Since his college days, Williams has been utilized in such a fashion.  He is excellent against the run and offers size enough to be a small linebacker.  He has a high football I.Q., which enables him to identify plays quickly.  His great field awareness then allows him to make plays all over the field.

Shawn Williams could become the Bengals’ “two-point stopper.”  His ability to play well “in the box” makes him the ideal candidate for such situations.  He helps stop the run well and has the size to take on blockers.  For two years he’s been working to become a better pass defender, which means he likely can play the pass well in a limited space.  Cincinnati wants to see Williams on the field more in 2015.  If Nelson and Iloka continue to play well, getting him onto the field on defense may be difficult.  Employing him as a “two-point stopper” could be a brilliant compromise that works for both player and team.

Next: The X-factor in the Red Zone