Vikings Pro Bowl nose tackle Pat Williams never fails to deliver a good quote when asked about an opposing center. That was the case again today when he was asked about the Browns situation at center.
Browns coach Eric Mangini has declined to announce whether veteran Hank Fraley or rookie Alex Mack will start. Fraley is listed No. 1 on the depth chart, but Mack started the final three preseason games. Mangini told Cleveland-area reporters that both centers will play Sunday. Williams said he doesn't care who is in the game. "Rookie, 10-year guy, 12 years, five years, it don't matter," he said. "I'm going to whoop anybody who gets on the field. That's how I approach the game every Sunday." The conversation then shifted to Vikings center John Sullivan, who will get his first NFL start Sunday. He faces a difficult assignment in Browns massive nose tackle Shaun Rogers, who missed the entire preseason because of a foot injury but is expected to play. Williams said he broke in Sullivan during training camp so he should be prepared for Rogers. "I got Sullivan right," Williams said laughing. "He's gotta get ready. I'll be messing with him all the time. I'll say, '[Rogers] ain't played no preseason, Sully. I think he's nice and fresh so you've got your hands full.' So I'll be messing with him. But I think Sully's going to be all right. Sully's going to be good. He'll do real good."
