The Pittsburgh Steelers have added one of the biggest additions to the receiving room, as the team has traded for New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams in an attempt to help fuel the team’s offense. This critical time comes at the juncture when the Steelers seek to seal their playoff standing and add more depth in support of quarterback Russell Wilson. With his physical presence in combination with being a contested-catch guy, he will bring much-needed experience and skill to Pittsburgh’s offense, which has struggled to find consistency and explosive plays this season.
Mike Williams’ Skill Set and What He Brings to the Steelers
Mike Williams is known around the league as a big, strong receiver who consistently comes down with contested catches. Listing at 6’4″ and 218 pounds, he’s a receiver capable of winning jump balls and creating mismatches down the field. He should take the top off of defenses and free up opportunities for other skill players on the offense.
To Wilson, Williams can become a consistently dependable target in critical downs and red-zone situations. His large catch radius and experience in high-pressure situations make him an attractive weapon for any team that aspires to go far into the playoffs. A reputation for durability and sure hands precedes him as he does new things to help balance out the offense, taking some pressure off primary receiver Diontae Johnson.
How Williams fits into the Steelers’ Offensive Scheme
The Pittsburgh offense has incrementally gotten better this season, but adding Williams brings another element to the attack, offering more chances to stretch the field and efficiency inside the scoring area. His skillset fits the Steelers’ play-action approach and desire to spread it effectively. Having Johnson on one side and Williams on the other means Pittsburgh’s receiving corps finally possesses two big-play receivers.
Williams’ presence will also benefit the young receivers on the roster for Pittsburgh, such as George Pickens, who has shown flashes in his role but can learn from Williams in experience and technique. The field-stretching ability of Williams with the route-running skillset of Johnson now gives Pittsburgh a balanced passing attack that can continue to keep defenses on their heels.
Playoff Push Impact for Pittsburgh
With the Steelers squarely in the midst of a competitive AFC playoff race, Williams’ addition could be the key to their push for the postseason. While Pittsburgh’s defense has been mostly sound, the offense at times hasn’t sustained drives. Adding in Williams, who can make plays on an explosive basis and help in the red zone, provides the spark necessary to sustain drives and finish off drives into points.
Meanwhile, the addition of another seasoned wide receiver also gives head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith more to work with when game-planning. With flexibility that Williams provides, Pittsburgh can be more aggressive, spread the field out, and allow Wilson to attack defenses more.
The addition of Mike Williams says loudly and clearly that the Steelers are serious about making a deep playoff run. Everything is timing, and Pittsburgh is on tap to go head-to-head with a bunch of crucial contests that could separate a team from their postseason fate; the good news is this: with Williams on board, the Steelers now change into a more dynamic and versatile offense-one able to compete with even the best in the AFC.
Also Read: Steelers Russell Wilson and Justin Fields: An Unlikely Duo in the Making
As the season wears on, Williams will be one to be counted on to help drive Pittsburgh’s offense down the field. His ability to raise the bar on passing can be a godsend for the Steelers, while his chemistry with Wilson should be interesting to see. For the Steelers, the move was a bold step forward with a veteran playmaker who’s all but set to make an immediate impact, taking the team along with him toward a successful finish of the season.
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