New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - NOLA.com Saints cornerback Marcus Williams boosts roster case with pick-6

Cornerback Marcus Williams thought it was funny that he signed with a team that had another player -- another defensive back, no less -- with the same name.

It didn't take long, though, for New Orleans Saints players to find nicknames to distinguish the two Marcus Williamses.

"My name is Money, and they call him Dub," said cornerback Marcus Williams.

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Until Saturday's 36-7 preseason victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, it seemed likely the issue of having two Marcus Williamses would go away once the season began. The younger Marcus Williams is the team's starting free safety, and the elder Marcus Williams didn't sign until Aug. 11. Typically, most players that join the team after training camp begins, and after the first preseason game, are longshots even if the cornerback has ample experience in the NFL.

Then, on Saturday night, the cornerback Marcus Williams significantly increased his chances of making the 53-man roster as he made an interception off Chargers backup Geno Smith and returned it 58 yards for a touchdown.

"To make a play in a situation like that is important for him," Saints coach Sean Payton said of the pick-6.

It helped, too, that Williams made this play just a few snaps after his defensive pass interference penalty nullified a pick-6 by linebacker Craig Robertson.

Payton praised the 27-year-old Williams after the exhibition, calling him "extremely intelligent" and noting his instincts and ball skills, but Williams also showed Saturday that he's picking things up beyond the Saints' defensive scheme.

After he scored, Williams waved to his teammates on the sideline and invited them to come celebrate with the team photo the Saints defense made popular last season.

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"I knew if I got that opportunity I was going to bring the whole team with me, and we were going to celebrate together," Williams said.

As the Saints look ahead to roster cuts, a play like Williams' pick-6 could be a determining factor when the scouts and coaches debate his candidacy for the 53-man roster.

Williams spent three-plus seasons with the New York Jets, starting eight games as a rookie in 2014 and then three each in 2015 and 2016. In 2015, he had six interceptions.

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