OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) - It was with no small amount of angst that Baltimore's Cary Williams declined a $15 million, three-year offer from the Ravens during the past offseason.

The cornerback thought he was worth more. And lately, it's looking like Williams might be right.

After playing in 42 NFL games without an interception, Williams has picked off four passes in his last five games. He leads the AFC in interceptions, and his efficient play has taken some of the sting out of the loss of injured cornerback Lardarius Webb.

The 27-year-old Williams attributes his improved play to ``hard work and just keeping my head down, not worrying about what the naysayers say.''

Baltimore (6-2) hosts Oakland (3-5) on Sunday.