After missing the majority of training camp and beginning the regular season on a snap count as he rehabs from a torn ACL, Jets WR Mike Williams has finally ditched the restrictions and is ready to make his mark on the Green & White's offense.
"These last few weeks I have been building up and getting better every week," Williams said. "I have been trying to take advantage of every opportunity I get. When the ball comes my way, I make a play. I am excited for my role to keep growing and make plays."
HC Robert Saleh told reporters last Friday, prior to the Jets' loss to the Broncos, 10-9, Sunday afternoon, that the team would be cautious with Williams' workload. He played just 9 snaps in the season opener and increased to 30-plus in each of the last two games. He has totaled 4 receptions for 53 yards (13.3 average).
Last Sunday against Denver, Jets fans saw a patented Williams performance. The 8-year NFL veteran wideout played a season-high 43 snaps and caught 4 passes for 67 yards, which led the team, including a high-difficulty 21-yard grab along the sideline that few receivers could make.
"When the ball is in the air, I kind of zone out," Williams said. "I don't see too much around me, I just see the football. I know where I am on the field, so I can just let my feet die so they can land in bounds. I knew it was a catch and started celebrating. Then I saw everyone trying to get into a hurry up play, but I knew it was a catch, and I got out of bounds for the clock to stop."
Since Williams entered the league in 2017, he has been known for his ability to come down with 50-50 balls. From 2018 to 2023, he led the NFL with 15.8 yards per reception (minimum 250 catches).
Williams' is proud of what he has been able to accomplish up to this point, but as he continues to build chemistry with QB Aaron Rodgers, he wants to prove that his game is more than his ability to high-point deep throws.
"When you get somewhere and do something so well, people only see you as that," Williams said. "I feel like I can do a lot more than that one thing. You want to get your routes called so you can run them in a game, and the ball doesn't always come your way, so you need to take advantage of when it does. I caught a slant a couple games ago and it was my first opportunity. I just need to keep attacking those moments."
Williams' next "moment" will likely come in Week 5, when the Jets travel to London to battle the undefeated Vikings (4-0) on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Last season, Williams sustained his torn ACL on the road in Week 3 against the Vikings. Prior to the injury, which came late in the third quarter, Williams had 7 receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown.
"I am not really thinking about that injury," Williams said. "I played against the Vikings last year, but that injury happened at their house. They are a pretty good team. Their secondary is pretty good with the new pieces they added."
Minnesota, over the offseason, fortified its defense when it signed former Jets LB Blake Cashman, pass rusher Jonathan Greenard, All-Pro CB Stephon Gilmore and OLB Andrew Van Ginkel. With former Dolphins head coach turned DC Brian Flores calling the defense, Minnesota is first in interceptions (8), fourth in points allowed (14.8) and second in turnovers (10).
"Their defensive coordinator really likes to switch things up and bring pressure," Williams said. "They have a lot of trust in [safety] Harrison Smith to make the calls. We need to control our controllables and play fast and physical. I am looking forward to the challenge."
