With the New England Patriots managing injuries to multiple starters throughout the offense, it was their depth that was put to the test in Week 17, as rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams’ role increased with Kayshon Boutte ruled out and Mack Hollins being placed on injured reserve earlier in the week. If this were an audition for the playoffs, Williams showed that he’s not ready for the moment yet in his young career.
When the Patriots needed him the most, Williams finished the game with only three receptions for 20 yards despite being targeted five times on a season-high 56 offensive snaps. He was credited with his first drop of the season at the end of the first half, on a 15-yard curl route, which ended quarterback Drake Maye’s perfect start of completing his first 11 passes for 159 yards and three touchdowns.
Although Williams has played well over the last few weeks, he’s showing to be more of a big-play, deep threat option rather than being on the field for every down for the offense. From Weeks 10 to 16, Williams scored three touchdowns on five receptions with an average of 33.8 yards per reception in that stretch of games. His speed and big-play ability have shown to be lethal for the Patriots, but it must be used at the right times rather than being an option on every down.
Kyle Williams Is Playing Himself Out of Patriots' Postseason Plans
This was a game in which the Patriots didn’t hold back on offense against the New York Jets. They won by 32 points on the arm of Maye, who threw for five touchdowns in only two and a half quarters before head coach Mike Vrabel pulled him, ending his day early. He finished 19-of-21 for 256 yards and had five touchdowns. Maye gave Williams the chance to shine, but he was unable to make the most of his opportunity this week.
It’s worth mentioning that undrafted rookie Efton Chism did make the most of his opportunities in the first real game action he’s had this season. Chism finished with two receptions for 40 yards and had a touchdown, the first of his career. He hasn’t been used too much on offense this season, but he’s an important part of the special teams unit, being used as a returner.
Boutte is expected to clear the concussion protocol and resume his role in the offense, but with Hollins being on IR, the earliest he’d be eligible to return will be the AFC Championship Game if the Patriots can make it there. That said, there’s still going to be a need for another depth receiver to step up for the playoffs. The options are DeMario Douglas, Williams, and Chism. There’s also John Jiles on the practice squad.
With Williams’ performance on Sunday, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he started to slide down the depth chart in the playoffs. The players who are on the field need to be trusted by Maye and Vrabel, and if Week 17 was a test, I’d say that Williams showed he’s not ready for that moment just yet.