Category: Mike Williams

What is going on with WR Mike Williams?

The Steelers’ wide receiver room has seen changes, but questions remain about WR Mike Williams’ role in the team’s offensive strategy.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Such is the life of the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers‘ wide receiver room. While the Steelers addressed potential depth issues through free agency, the draft, and the trade deadline with WRs Van Jefferson, Roman Wilson, and Mike Williams respectively, there has been almost nothing from these three to show for it.

Specifically, much of the hype surrounding the Williams acquisition leaves fans scratching their heads over why his usage has been so minimal.

His Week 10 debut saw him score the game-deciding TD, but he hasn’t received a single target in either Week 11 or Week 12’s contest.

In his recent disappearing act, Calvin Austin III has stepped up in a big way, but it doesn’t excuse the Steelers’ poor usage of Wilson.

The issue likely stems from the offensive scheme, much to the frustration of fans, as OC Arthur Smith’s predictable running calls have limited the Steelers’ passing opportunities in recent weeks.

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Aaron Rodgers takes high road to Mike Williams’ social media trolling

Aaron Rodgers dismissed Mike Williams’ jab about their “red line” drama, choosing resolution over rivalry after the Steelers’ Week 10 win.

While New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers may have started the drama between himself and former Jet and current Pittsburgh Steelers WR Mike Williams, he is certainly the first to put it behind him.

Rodgers publicly ridiculed Williams for running the wrong route during the Jets’ Week 6 loss to the Buffalo Bills, referring to the correct route he should’ve ran as the “red line.”

After scoring the game-winning touchdown in the Steelers’ Week 10 victory over the Washington Commanders, Williams took to social media to jab at his former QB, using “red line” in one of his hashtags.

When asked for his reaction to Williams’ apparent shot at him, Rodgers could have thrown gasoline on the fire, but he instead chose to extinguish it.

While it’s highly unlikely that Rodgers and Williams will be exchanging Christmas cards anytime soon, perhaps the two former teammates can now leave the past behind.

As Williams prepares to take on more responsibilities in Pittsburgh’s offense, his Week 11 performance will be pivotal in the team’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, on November 17th at 1:00 PM EST.

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Mike Williams takes shots at Aaron Rodgers following game-deciding TD

Mike Williams took a shot at Aaron Rodgers on social media after his Week 10 game-winning TD, referencing their past tension

It’s safe to say that QB Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets won’t be getting the last laugh anytime soon, as former Jet and current Steelers WR Mike Williams is quickly becoming a fan favorite in the Steel City. Williams seemingly still has a chip on his shoulder following his exit from New York and took a shot at his former QB.

After his team’s victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 10, Williams quickly took to social media to showcase an image of his incredible game-deciding TD reception late in the fourth quarter, with a caption containing an interesting jab at Rodgers:  “RedLine”.

This is, of course, referencing Rodgers’ infamous public call-out of Williams for running the wrong route, the ‘red line,’ following the Jets’ loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 6.

Rodgers and Williams seemingly have unresolved drama from their time as teammates in New York. However, it’s reassuring that with his performance in Week 10—scoring as many points as the entire New York Jets’ offense did on Sunday—Williams can put this chapter to bed.

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What should fans expect from Mike Williams’ Week 10 Steelers debut?

With Mike Williams set to debut in Week 10, the Pittsburgh Steelers face questions about his role and impact amid recent WR trade trends.

What a difference a week makes! Heading into the Pittsburgh Steelers’ bye in Week 9, uncertainty surrounded the wide receiver position as a whole. However, GM Omar Khan alleviated these concerns at the November 5 deadline by acquiring WR Mike Williams from the New York Jets.

Fans are now left with a new pair of questions: Will Williams contribute immediately, and if so, what will his impact look like?

If you asked QB Russell Wilson, he might say Williams’ presence will be felt all over the field, as his athletic prowess allows him to do virtually anything. However, OC Arthur Smith is particularly excited about Williams’ potential impact in the run game.

Looking at other similar situations for reference, WR Diontae Johnson, WR Amari Cooper, and former All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins all played limited snap counts in their debuts with new teams—averaging around just 30% of snaps played.

Could Williams follow a similar precedent and be used sparingly while he acclimates to the new offense? Or will his physical traits allow the team to utilize him more extensively in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders?

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Steelers WR Mike Williams recalls interaction with fans after Jets game

Pittsburgh Steelers fans attending the Week 7 Jets game made it known that Mike Williams would be a welcomed addition to the roster.

Before Mike Williams was jettisoned to the Pittsburgh Steelers, it had been 17 days since a visit to Acrisure Stadium.

There had been plenty of speculation that the Steelers would add a wide receiver before the trade deadline, and Wiliams was a name linked to those rumors.

Steelers fans attending the Week 7 Jets game made it known that Williams would be a welcomed addition to the roster. Williams recalled fondly the interaction with fans following his team’s loss to Pittsburgh.

“When we played here, the people were in the stands telling me don’t go back, stay, don’t take the plane back,” Williams said in his first press conference as a Steelers on Wednesday. “I thought it was funny.”

How many snaps Williams will take on Sunday is unknown. Mike Tomlin typically likes to ease new players into action. But offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is excited to get him going, especially as a run-blocker.

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QB Russell Wilson describes what makes WR Mike Williams special

Russell Wilson is excited about what Mike Williams can bring to the Steelers offense as they prepare for his debut in Pittsburgh.

While Pittsburgh Steelers fans are understandably excited to witness what WR Mike Williams is capable of in the Pittsburgh offense, it appears Steelers QB Russell Wilson already knows what to expect—greatness.

Wilson, speaking during the team’s media availability on Thursday, responded to a question about how Williams’s impressive athletic qualities can help the team moving forward. “I think those are all truths,” Wilson stated. “I think when you look out there and realize the guy is 6’5″, can run the way he can, jump up and catch the ball, run past people, and he’s physical even in the short game.”

Wilson gave the most impressive compliment a quarterback could ever give a receiver: “He’s just a guy who’s been really special over the years.”

It’s safe to say the Steelers’ QB is more than excited to get Williams onto the field for his Pittsburgh debut, and fans of the Black and Gold may be in for an absolute masterclass once the Wilson-Williams combination takes off.

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WR Mike Williams feels ready to make big time plays for Pittsburgh

WR Mike Williams let Pittsburgh fans know exactly who he is and what he’s capable of—a playmaker who will earn the right to be on the field.

The Pittsburgh Steelers winning culture has clearly resonated with WR Mike Williams, who has shown nothing less than the heart of a champion since his arrival.

In an article titled “Week 10 Blog: Focus still on stopping the run” on the Steelers’ official website, fans can find Williams’ comments about what he brings to the Steel City, stating: “I’m a playmaker. I want to make plays. I want to get the ops. I’m going to go out and work and show that I deserve to be on the field.”

Williams’ passion and desire are completely understandable, as the WR seemingly fell out of favor with Jets QB Aaron Rodgers, which Williams summarized as the beginning of the end of his time in New York.

Will Steelers fans be able to witness the Russell Wilson-Williams combination begin as early as Week 10’s game against the 7-2 Washington Commanders? Fans can look forward to this matchup, which can only be described as a battle of the behemoths, on November 10th at 1:00 PM EST.

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Steelers WR Mike Williams believes Aaron Rodgers to blame for trade

Newest Steelers receiver Mike Williams theorized that it was his slow return to action that led to him falling out of favor Aaron Rodgers.

The newest Pittsburgh Steelers receiver, Mike Williams, has no ill will toward his former New York Jets team or their quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.

However, Williams theorized that it was his slow return to action that led to him falling out of favor with the future Hall of Famer and, ultimately, being traded.

“Going there after the ACL, not having OTAs or training camp to get the chemistry right … [Rodgers] is real detailed. He likes what he likes. Me not being able to transition in as quick is probably what went wrong,” Williams said in a Wednesday press conference.

Rodgers responded to the trade news during Tuesday’s The Pat McAfee Show appearance. “Mike’s a good guy. He’ll be good in that locker room… He’s had a nice career. Sometimes a change of scenery is great for certain guys.”

Williams appeared in nine games with three starts and had 12 receptions on 21 targets for 166 yards.

Before landing with the Jets, Williams spent seven seasons with the L.A. Chargers, who took him 7th overall in the 2017 NFL draft.

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PFF Steelers teases big things for Russell Wilson’s new target, Mike Williams

Move over, George Pickens. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a new contested target king in their latest wide receiver acquisition, Mike Williams.

Move over, George Pickens. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a new contested target king in their latest wide receiver acquisition, Mike Williams.

Though Steelers Nation seemed mixed in their responses to the Williams trade, Pro Football Focus seems to think that Pittsburgh has a potential play-maker on its hands.

According to a tweet from PFF PIT, Williams has a 94.1 receiving grade (third), 91 receptions (second) and 1,495 yards (second) on contested targets since 2018

What should add to Williams’ contested targets success is his new quarterback, Russell Wilson.

Per Brooke Pryor, Steelers insider for ESPN, Wilson is tied with the New York Jets’ Aaron Rodgers for the most aggressive, tight-window throws (48) in the league since the stat started being tracked in 2016.

Wilson completed 4-of-11 tight-window attempts for a league-leading 112 yards and a touchdown to George Pickens in two games since returning to action.

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What Steelers fans are saying about Mike Williams trade on X

Here’s what Pittsburgh Steelers fans are saying about Russell Wilson’s new target Mike Williams.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have finally made that wide receiver trade that fans have been waiting for. Drum roll, please… Mike Williams. The very Mike Williams who had one 15-yard catch on two targets in the Jets showdown with the Steelers in Week 7.

Very underwhelming. But it’s also the type of move the Steelers would make. They’ve rarely been a team that makes a splash at the trade deadline, and Williams’ acquisition is further proof. The fact that Williams is no longer a household name won’t matter as long as he produces on the field.

In eight seasons since being selected by the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 7 overall, Williams has logged 4,972 yards and 31 touchdowns on 321 receptions.

Here’s what Steelers fans say about Russell Wilson‘s new target on X:

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