COSTA MESA, CA — As Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams enters his fifth year he is focused on the new playbook, developing chemistry with his teammates and learning from first year head coach Brandon Staley.
“His knowledge of the game on both sides of the ball. You can tell that he knows a lot about both sides of the ball,” Williams explained. “He’ll come and talk to us and tell us what defenses like to do to help us.“
Williams has truly been a warriors from the moment he was drafted in the league, as he suffered a back injury that hampered him in his rookie year. Williams continued to stay the course and eventually completed his first 1,000 yard season in his third year with the team. He’s known for making big time catches on the field whether it be from former quarterbacks Philip Rivers and Tyrod Taylor, and staying a big target for Justin Herbert.
Most receivers of his calibur are great at 50/50 ball, but in Williams case he’s exceptional as for him is more like 80/20 ball. Williams is money, may not get you many yards after the catch but threw it in the air and Williams will make the play necessary to either keep the drive alive or score the touchdown needed.
Williams also explained he has focused on being a better route runner this season all by watching and learning from top notch receiver and teammate Keenan Allen.
New offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi is excited to use Williams in creative and unique ways in this season’s offense. It may remind many of how Lombardi used Michael Thomas in New Orleans.
“As much as this offense will resemble New Orleans, he plays the ‘X,’ and the ball has always kind of found the ‘X’ receiver in this offense,” Lombardi said to reporters. “I think that there will be some natural production that comes his way because of the nature of the offense.
“I see a big role for him. If I were a betting man, I’d bet on nice numbers coming from him on the stat sheet, that’s for sure.”
As focused as Williams will be on the field he has assured many that he has trust in agent to get him a new deal.
“I’m just out here practicing,” Williams said clearly. “The people upstairs, my agent, and everybody else will handle that.
“I’m not really focused on that,” Williams added.
In the mean time, he will be focused on football and getting better with each rep throughout Training Camp, and looking forward to having a great regular season.
