Andre Williams

The Andre Williams on the field for the New York Giants on Friday night in their preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins barely resembled the running back that averaged less than three yards per carry last season. This Andre Williams was physically deflated, 12 pounds lighter and minus almost five inches off his waist.

Williams decided to reshape his body this offseason in an effort to save his floundering career. The early returns have been positive.

Williams ran for 41 yards on nine carries Friday in the preseason opener, which included runs of 16 and 12 yards. He appeared quicker and more decisive and was able to locate holes when they were available.

In his second professional season, Williams had trouble hitting the holes and averaged a paltry 2.9 yards on 88 attempts. It was a frustrating year. Williams, 23, felt he was thinking less when he rumbled left, made several defenders miss and picked up steam like a freight train on his 16-yard run Friday night late in the first quarter. The combination of speed and shiftiness was impressive, the story said. An improved Williams could steal some carries away from Rashad Jennings, who impressed at the end of last season to be the team's bell cow.