By Anthony Licciardi
It took until his fifth professional season, but Mike Williams finally had the year the Los Angeles Chargers were waiting for.
Hauling in 76 passes for 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns, Williams took over as the team’s most dangerous target. Time and time again, Williams gashed defenses downfield for huge gains. He wasn’t the most consistent, but the flashes of chemistry with superstar quarterback Justin Herbert rendered the Chargers unstoppable.
Williams helped elevate Los Angeles to one of the most feared passing offenses in the league, satisfying Chargers fans and fantasy owners alike. Now, he’ll be tasked with an encore that can help separate the Bolts from the competition.
Can Williams keep it up?
Last season was one of “mosts” for the Clemson product. Most targets, receptions, yards, and touchdowns, even first downs. On the other hand, he saw career highs in drops and drop percentage, too.
It isn’t easy to repeat a performance as strong as Williams’, especially when so many things broke the right way. Not only did he develop, but his quarterback and his connection with said quarterback did as well. He was able to stay healthy and became a significant feature of the offense.
Much like Ja’Marr Chase, Williams benefitted from good luck, or at least bad luck for opposing defenses. His pocket aces stayed tucked in the back of his pants until Los Angeles’ luck ran out in Week 18.
Moving forward, I think Williams has another big year in store. His 2021 campaign was rewarded with a three-year, $60 million contract, so his role will remain a focal point. Additionally, his skill set lent itself to success downfield, given his rare combination of size, speed, strength, and ball skills. Sure, some things broke his way, but Williams is a true high-level talent, even if he isn’t a true No. 1.
Oddsmakers for FanDuel have set Williams’ receiving yards total at 950.5, with -112 odds in either direction. A correctly-placed $100 wager would net $89.29. This indicates they view him as a candidate for a strong season, even if slight regression gets in the way.
For those Chargers, consistency with Williams likely means a repeat performance as an electric offense, pun sort of intended. Combined with the defense’s acquisitions and growth under head coach Brandon Staley, the Chargers are well-prepared to take on the influx of talent across the AFC West.
A big year from Williams means Herbert gets a shot at playoff football and we get a shot at watching the league’s best aesthetic compete deep into January. For that reason alone, you should join me in rooting for Williams’ success.