New England Patriots receiver Kyle Williams has been a major muse in the locker room during the team's league-best 11-2 start. Receivers coach Todd Downing couldn't stop raving about Williams' impact on him and his teammates, despite being in and out of starting status.
Of course, Downing has reservations about a rookie who's only shown success on home run swings. Williams hasn't been able to form consistency outside of his highlights, and Downing wonders about Williams in the sets that tee up the big moments.
“I think he’s got an elite trait with his speed,” Downing said, via Mark Daniels of MassLive.com. “I think that as he continues to grow and get more comfortable with the entire route tree and coverages and things of that nature, the challenge is, can you play that fast all the time? I think he’s growing in that, and I think that that’s something he’s very aware of and works hard at and excited to see his future there.”
Downing shared a very key statement within his praise of how present Williams is with him: he's hopeful that it never changes. Downing specifically talked about how much he enjoys the time they spend preparing together.
“I’m hopeful that never changes because that is such a joy to have around,” Downing said. “To have in the room, to have in my office early every morning, is just awesome to see. He has a passion for the game, and he just loves being around his teammates. I think when you’re excited for somebody else, it’s really hard to be upset about what you aren’t getting. That’s where Kyle’s at right now.
“He’s so joyful for those around him that he’s just staying in tune to the game and learning. And then when his number’s called, he’s done some nice things.”
Kyle Williams is a Culture-Setter for Patriots This Season
Culture fits are everything. It's why the Philadelphia Eagles don't have harmony mere months after a Super Bowl LIX victory with elite established receivers like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Managing egos isn't easy, but Williams has none. That earns you opportunities.
Williams hasn't been the most effective every snap, having hauled in five receptions on 13 targets. Not all his fault, of course. Drake Maye takes some blame, too, but Williams has been boom-or-bust, with the booms being a 72-yard reception, a 33-yard reception, and four of his five catches being at least 12 yards.
For a rookie, you'll take the booms, and Williams has shown enough in flashes -- good field awareness of the sideline marker, good hands, and breakneck speed to get behind the secondary -- to justify giving him more opportunities.
If those opportunities don't come for Williams right away, since the Patriots are all in on this year, they're clearly coming at some point. He's part of the new era that came with a new coaching staff and over 30 new players who are now associated with winning.