Tag: Mike Williams

Should Steelers claim former second-round WR off waivers?

Should the Steelers claim Tyquan Thornton off waivers to bolster their wide receiver room and add more speed to their offensive attack?

What a difference a few weeks make! Heading into the trade deadline, the New England Patriots’ lightning-fast WR Tyquan Thornton was one of many receivers linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers as a potential trade target.

However, Pittsburgh ultimately pulled the trigger on a trade that brought New York Jets WR Mike Williams to the Steel City. Now, it appears the Patriots have moved on from Thornton as well.

On Saturday, insider Adam Schefter reported that the New England Patriots would be releasing their former 2022 second-round receiver. Thornton ran an impressive 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL Combine but struggled to make an impact during his three seasons with the Patriots, recording 39 receptions for 385 yards and two touchdowns in 28 games.

Steelers GM Omar Khan could once again showcase his decision-making prowess by adding Thornton’s speed to an already dangerous Pittsburgh offense.

Steelers’ wide receivers George Pickens, Mike Williams, Calvin Austin III, and the potential addition of Thornton would give QB Russell Wilson the tools to cook any opposing secondary.

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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 Tomlin has four-word message for newest Steelers WR Mike Williams

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was fired up after Mike Williams’ game-winning touchdown vs the Washington Commanders.

For nearly 60 minutes, it appeared that newcomer Mike Williams wouldn’t be a factor in his first game with the Pittsburgh Steelers. That is until Calvin Austin III was sidelined with a head injury late in the fourth quarter.

Williams’ sole target was a 32-yard touchdown floated perfectly by a pressured Russell Wilson. The score would ultimately be a game-winner for Pittsburgh.

On the sideline, a fired-up Mike Tomlin had four words for Williams: You’re a Steeler now.

It’s a small sample size, but Williams could be just what the doctor ordered for Pittsburgh’s wide receiver room. Van Jefferson ain’t it. Austin’s talent has its limitations. We already know how valuable George Pickens has been. Pickens, paired with Williams, should bolster scoring opportunities as the Steelers navigate a brutal second-half schedule.

 

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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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Russell Wilson, George Pickens shine with improbable completions in Steelers’ Week 10 win

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson had improbable completions to George Pickens and newcomer Mike Williams vs. Commanders.

It’s no secret that George Pickens is an alien. From the start of his rookie season until now, Pickens has consistently made jaw-dropping catches.

In a nail-biting Week 10 victory over the Washington Commanders, Russell Wilson showcased his veteran poise, connecting with Pickens on two of the most improbable completions of the week. The pair’s chemistry proved pivotal in keeping Pittsburgh’s momentum alive and securing the win.

The first of these daring completions — topping Next Gen Stats’ improbable completions — occurred on a 24-yard play and had a mere 14.2 percent chance of success. With tight coverage by cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, Wilson threw it where only Pickens could catch it. It marked another incredible acrobatic catch by the third-year receiver.

The second improbable completion occurred early in the first quarter and got Pittsburgh on the board with the game’s first points. With Pickens single-covered by safety Jeremy Chinn (who had a stellar game), Wilson placed the ball perfectly, and Pickens climbed the ladder to bring it down. The touchdown pass had a 25.8 percent completion probability and changed the game’s tone, energizing the Steelers’ sideline.

Wilson also found new acquisition Mike Williams on a 32-yard touchdown that had only a 26.8 percent chance of success. Williams’ debut performance cemented his impact on the Steelers’ offense, making him an instant fan favorite.

Wilson reaffirmed his reputation as a clutch playmaker with each improbable connection, while Pickens and Williams emerged as key assets. These remarkable plays highlight the Steelers’ aerial potential and underscore their rising confidence as they race toward a playoff berth.

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Two Steelers newcomers will play against Commanders

Steelers will have some additional help vs. Commanders.

The Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) were off last week before their Week 10 showdown against the Washington Commanders (7-2). While the Steelers didn’t play a game, they were busy making moves for the stretch run.

Currently sitting atop the AFC North, Pittsburgh has been searching for wide receiver help for months. On Tuesday, at the NFL trade deadline, the Steelers acquired veteran wideout Mike Williams from the New York Jets.

Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan wasn’t done, though. Khan also acquired veteran defensive end/linebacker Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers. The Steelers don’t need Smith to start but supply depth behind starters T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.

While the Commanders’ prized trade acquisition, cornerback Marshon Lattimore, will not play, Williams and Smith will suit up for the Packers. Williams could play an immediate role, lining up opposite George Pickens and giving quarterback Russell Wilson another reliable target.

Smith, a former second-round pick of Washington in 2015, has 68.5 career sacks, including 2.5 this year. Williams, a first-round pick by the Chargers in 2017, has 321 career receptions and 31 touchdowns.

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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Steelers OC Arthur Smith reveals additional weapon for ground game

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a new wrinkle to add to the ground game, and his name is Mike Williams.

When Arthur Smith was brought to the Pittsburgh Steelers as the new offensive coordinator, there was a lot of talk about the team returning to their roots as a run-heavy offense.

The Steelers are slowly getting back to it since the threat of Russell Wilson as a passer provides more opportunities to run the ball.

And now, Pittsburgh has a new wrinkle to add to the ground game, and his name is Mike Williams.

“Mike’s a big receiver. He’s made a lot of 50/50 catches,” Smith told the media on Thursday. “Big presence in the run game. We’ll see where it goes. Hopefully, he’s value added.”

According to Pro Football Focus premium stats (subscription), Williams has 1,504 run-blocking snaps in his 10-year career. He’s had minimal success as a runner. Williams’ best season was in 2018, when he ran seven times for 28 yards and a touchdown.

Williams said after his first day of practice on Wednesday, he was utilized often and everywhere. “I had a pretty good day today; I’ve been in quite a bit. I was moving around everywhere. I’m trying to learn as much as possible. You never know what can happen, people move, things change. So, I’m just learning all the positions. I got some reps with Russ, also. So, keep building the rest of the week and see where we are on Sunday.”

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