It doesn't get any easier for Trent Williams.
One week after matching up with Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware, Williams faces off with Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams.
It's certainly a matchup to keep an eye on in the Redskins' Week 2 game against the Texans this Sunday at FedExField.
"Super Mario," as Mario Williams is called, has posted 39.5 sacks since entering the league as the first overall selection in the 2006 NFL Draft.
At 6-6 and 290 pounds, Mario Williams is regarded as a classic pass rusher. He uses his size and strength to overpower offensive linemen, as opposed to Ware and other pass-rushing linebackers who use more speed.
"Mario is a huge, strong guy," Trent Williams said. "He uses his power in a lot of ways. He and Ware have two totally different games, but they're both top of the league when you're talking about pass rushers."
Said quarterback Donovan McNabb: "Trent is going up against a different defensive end, different style, bigger -- [Mario Williams] may not be as quick as DeMarcus but he's a strong guy and he has established himself over the years as a dominant force."
Mario Williams recorded four solo tackles, two half-sacks and five quarterback hits in the Texans' 34-24 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1.
The Texans move Mario Williams around to take advantage of matchups, so Trent Williams may only match up against him half the game.
Sunday's game vs. Houston is Trent Williams' first game against a 4-3 alignment. Through the four preseason games and the regular season opener vs. Dallas, he has played only against 3-4 defenses.
"It's a huge difference," he said. "It's a lot less complicated, but then again it's a bigger battle in the trenches because you have four down linemen."
Williams believes he held his own against Ware in the Cowboys game, a 13-7 Redskins win. Ware recorded one sack but otherwise was not a huge factor.
"I feel like I got a little confidence," Williams said.
And he has earned a degree of trust from McNabb.
"Every week is going to be tough for Trent," McNabb said. "He understands that and knows that. I definitely have confidence in Trent and the things he's been able to do."
