Andre Williams says he is 'just going to run hard'

Rookie running back Andre Williams will be making his first start for the New York Giants Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles in the hostile Lincoln Financial Field environment. What can Giants fans expect from the former Boston College star?

"What can Giants fans expect from me? You know, I only know one way to run and so I am just going to run hard and make sure I compete at the highest level," Williams said this week.

Williams has 170 yards on 54 carries (3.1 yards per carry) with two touchdowns so far this season. The per-carry average might be a bit misleading as Williams has been used in a lot of short-yardage situations, and last week got a lot of carries down the stretch with the Giants protecting a lead against the Atlanta Falcons.

"We expect him to be what he was a week ago, a downhill, north-south runner, which is what he does very, very well," said Giants head coach Tom Coughlin. "We depend on the run, let's face it, we depend heavily on the run and the balance has been good. Last week we had 34 runs and 30 passes."

The Eagles will be trying to shake the rookie's confidence Sunday, both when he has the ball and when he is required to pass protect for Eli Manning.

"I don't think I have to do anything differently. I think it is going to be a good chance to get lathered up early in the game, rather than later," Williams said. "I built on a good week against the Redskins, with the Falcons, and I am hoping I can keep piling success on top of that."