Shorthanded at the position going into Tampa, third-year pro Kelee Ringo is in line to start opposite Quinyon Mitchell, with McWilliams and veteran Parry Nickerson – signed Wednesday to the 53-man roster – serving as key reserves.
For McWilliams, there’s an outside chance he sees the first regular-season defensive snaps of his career.
As part of a season-long Inside The Birds “Rookie Diary” series, I’ll be checking in with Mac McWilliams every week, learning more about the first-year cornerback and chronicling his rookie campaign.
On Thursday, we chatted for our fourth installment.
Andrew: What was your initial reaction when you saw the final field goal block? 
Mac: I knew we was gonna block it, well, I knew we had a chance to block it, just coming from the first time we blocked it, earlier in the game. But when it comes down to things like that, we got one of the best alignment groups in the league. Those guys, they work hard every day, and they go about they business with a strong attack. Every day, they come in working hard. So, I ain’t expect nothing less.
Andrew: What does that say about the resilience of this team, after things weren’t going your way early?
Mac: I really feel like it started in OTAs, when we first got the team together. We all had one plan, and that was making sure we win. At the end of the day, the was the main goal was to win, and we went out there and executed.
Andrew: Have you ever played in a game where a team had two field goal blocks?
Mac: Nah, I ain’t never been in a game like that. That was the first one for me, for sure.
Andrew: What’d your family think of the game?
Mac: They said that they didn’t know what was going on at first. All they seen – because they thought the game was over as soon as they got into field goal range – but they said when they had in their head in their phones, and they were like, ‘The game over with’ … and once they heard the crowd screaming and seen Jordan [Davis] picking up the ball, they just got to cheering.
Andrew: How about Fish? Did he make it out?
Mac: No, he did not make it out. He said he was, but this Tampa game, I made sure I got him tickets to this game. So, he will be in Tampa.
Andrew: He missed a good one!
Mac: Yeah, he definitely did. He definitely did.
Andrew: Which play were you in on on specials?
Mac: It was special teams. It was kickoff return.
Andrew: How would you evaluate the rep?
Mac: It was all right. I had a bigger guy, so I was making sure I got up under him, got leverage and stopped his tracks before he got moving.
Andrew: What’s this week of practice been like. Presumably, you’ve gotten more defensive reps.
Mac: Whatever the week comes. Whatever the coaches decide to do. I’m just here to do what’s best for the team and put my best foot forward.
Andrew: How do you feel with the additional reps?
Mac: I feel great. I’m gonna come out here with the same mindset every day, and that’s to get better.
Andrew: Big question. What are you currently watching?
Mac: Well, I was on Untamed, but once I finished up with that – I told you I’m a YouTube type of guy, I like watching YouTube streamers and things like that — but once I go to Netflix, I look at the sports genre. So, I’m on that Boston and Lakers rivalry. I’m on that right now. Think I’m on episode 2.
Andrew: I might have to started rewatching ‘The Last Dance’ on the flight out.
Mac: Nah, facts. That was good.
Andrew: What are you going to be watching on the flight to Florida?
Mac: Probably watch me some film. Go over my keys, my plays, and things like that. If anything … like I said, I ain’t finished ‘Untamed’ yet. I still got, like, two more episodes. So, I’ll probably finish that on the plane.
Andrew: Since you recommended it, I think I’ll give it a shot.
Mac: Ah, facts. You definitely gotta give it a shot. You won’t get it at first, but once you keep letting the episodes go by, you’ll understand.
Andrew: That’s if I don’t fall asleep. I have a 5:45 flight Saturday morning.
Mac: [Laughs] Yeah, you’ll probably be up outta there, man. You’ll probably be asleep on the plane.
Andrew: I’ll check it out and then check in next week and let you know how it goes.
Andrew: You grew up in Pensacola, Fla., and played most of your career in Florida. Is it something you really need to adapt to?
Mac: I wouldn’t say you get used to it. Once you stayed in Florida all your life, you kind of adapt to it. Just making sure you’re healthy and making sure you’re hydrated. That’s the main thing about it. Florida really doesn’t get as dry as people think it do, but if you ain’t hydrated and you don’t take care of your body, it’ll show for sure.
Andrew: Any of your fellow DBs ask you for any tips, having played in Florida most of your life?
Mac: No, they didn’t. I’m, like, four hours away from Tampa. So, it wasn’t really a big connection. I got a couple guys that played with Tampa that I was training with in the NFL draft and things like that. But really not too many questions.
Andrew: What stands out to you about the Tampa offense and [QB] Baker Mayfield?
Mac: He can extend plays. He makes sure he dissects everything that goes on with the play. He’s on point, making sure everybody’s on point. And like I said, he can extend plays. That’s the main thing about it. Once you got a quarterback that can extend plays, it’s dangerous for the defense. That’s what we big on; we plaster when the ball is our side of the tackle box. We plaster and make sure we get to our guys.
Andrew: How about someone like [WR] Chris Godwin? Based off what you’ve seen on tape and over the years, what makes him an effective player?
Mac: He’s physical. He’s good in the run game, so once you’re good in the run game – and guys think that you’re gonna come up and block – it’s easier just to once, when you come up, slip by ‘em and get into your route. So, making sure we’re staying on top of things and making sure we don’t go for nothing.
Andrew: What’s your favorite type of receiver to cover?
Mac: It doesn’t matter to me. Whichever one lines up in front of me.
Andrew: I know it’s not exactly a homecoming, but do you have a lot of family coming out to this one?
Mac: I got my brother coming, I have my dad and my granddad coming. So, not too much, but about three or four.
Andrew: You never know how things are going to shake out, but if you are to see some defensive reps, what are you looking forward to showcasing?
Mac: I’m just going out there to win. So, whatever that goes with. Whatever comes with it. Making sure I’m going over my techniques and things that I have to do to be prepared to go out there and play. Got a great group of guys behind me with the defense, everybody is accountable. And just making sure that I learn the basics, I learn the ins and outs, of how they go about their offensive schemes and things like that.
Andrew: What’s one thing you’re looking to improve on this week?
Mac: I’d say my effort. I know I’m gonna go hard every time, but if it comes down to games like this – where we got a lot of guys banged up and things like that – you never know when your opportunity comes. So, making sure I just go out there and have fun.
