The New England Patriots' offense has looked its best so far this season since Mac Jones' rookie season in 2021. After looking like one of the worst offenses in the league the past few seasons, the unit is clicking with Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye under center. One disappointment so far, however, has been rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams' lack of production. Despite Maye spreading the ball around through six weeks, Williams has yet to make the most of his opportunity.
Yet, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels doesn't sound too concerned. If anything, he just gave the third-round pick a vote of confidence. On Thursday, he was asked about Williams and when he may be ready to be a little more productive. Per ESPN's Mike Reiss, the offensive coordinator had a thoughtful and encouraging response: "What we’ve done is look at the things we’re doing when the ball doesn’t come to you – are you doing the right things? A lot of the times, he is... he’s present and available every day at practice, he’s doing a really good job of understanding his assignments."
McDaniels then added that he believes that the ball hasn't found Williams yet, but he will continue to get his chances because he practices well and can play multiple positions.
"We just have to continue to try to press forward on the process of doing the right thing and I’m excited when he gets his opportunity. I really am. I’m looking forward to it."Josh McDaniels on Kyle Williams
This praise is in line with what we have seen from Williams in recent weeks. The 22-year-old pass-catcher played a season-high 14 offensive snaps in Week 6 and was targeted more than once for the first time in his career. He wasn't able to reel in either of his targets, but the attempt to get him more involved is obviously there. He has only caught two passes for 20 yards so far this season, but it sounds like a minor breakout may be coming.
Stefon Diggs is getting the lion's share of targets in the passing game, and Kayshon Boutte is also high in the pecking order, but besides those two, there is a rather egalitarian approach in the Patriots' offense. Mack Hollins and Demario Douglas have both gotten opportunities, with each scoring two touchdowns already. Even TreVeyon Henderson, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Austin Hooper are heavily featured in the passing game. This suggests that Williams' time will come, similar to Douglas' 71 yard, one TD game against the Saints last week.
In recent weeks, Williams has been getting more snaps lining up as the slot receiver. The team obviously wants to see him in different roles to see where he is more effective. Despite the slow start, he seems to be on the right track. Now, he just needs to find pay dirt.