The Mario Williams situation at USC is concerning, and the right way to handle it is not all that obvious. USC fans will say that Williams needs to be benched after dropping three passes against Arizona State. That might be the right move, but there is precedent for the idea that sticking with him is the better approach.
Let’s remember that Brenden Rice had the dropsies for much of last season at USC. It was logical to bench him. However, the staff stuck with him. Rice then had a breakout game in the Cotton Bowl against Tulane. Now, he is a very strong, very reliable receiver for USC. He made numerous big plays against Arizona State. The staff decided to stay with Rice instead of punishing him. That decision worked out.
It could be that Mario Williams needs tough love in a way Brenden Rice never did. Maybe benching Williams is the right move to make. Yet, the example of Brenden Rice would indicate that sticking with a player is the best way to maintain his confidence and get production from him.
It will be fascinating to see how Williams responds, and how the coaching staff deals with this larger situation.
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