James’ parting shots are shrugged off

Vikings nose tackle and locker-room leader Pat Williams said he wasn’t upset by comments defensive end Erasmus James made this week to the Washington Post.

James, who battled knee injuries the past two seasons after being a first-round selection of the Vikings in 2005, was traded to the Redskins last week for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2009 draft.

"Coming in as a first-rounder there’s a lot of pressure on you," James said at the Redskins’ organized team activities. "A lot of guys think because you’re a first-rounder, you’re going to come in and start. … And that’s the worst thing to come in as, especially as a rookie with people like that, because you can’t get any help. It’s kind of like you fend for yourself. It’s nice to be around older guys who are not out there to say, ‘Hey, there’s this new guy coming in.’ It’s not like that at all. You can learn from these guys. I’m real excited about that."

Williams left Buffalo under less-than-ideal circumstances to sign with the Vikings the same year James was drafted by Minnesota. The 11-year veteran and other members of the Vikings defensive line take pride in the chemistry among the unit, and James’ comments certainly could have stung. But that wasn’t the case.

"Raz is still probably upset and guys will say things when they are upset," said Williams, who keeps in contact with James and spoke to his former teammate on Wednesday.

Williams, in fact, recalled criticizing the Bills.

"When I first signed here I was kind of mad," he said. "I wish I wouldn’t have said [those things]. Buffalo treated me good, but I was just mad."

Williams also said he feels James will do fine with Washington once he recovers from the latest operation on his left knee.

"Raz will play good for them," Williams said. "I just tell him to keep playing and praying."

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