Optimus Prime is the nickname I'm giving Tampa Bay's WR Mike Williams.
Yes, that Mike Williams. The one in his sophomore slump.
And yes, ironically, Calvin Johnsons best complete season to date is his 2nd season in the NFL. But Mike Williams, even in his rookie season, showed signs of a true #1 big play receiver.
Now I'm not saying Williams is going to have the kind of historic year Megatron is having this season, but I can tell you he will become a successful, reliable wide receiver. He shows great awareness- even when he was a rookie- that is far beyond his age and ego, and his agility is terrific for a receiver his size. The biggest difference in these 2 machines is probably just that. Calvin Johnson is a monstrous 6'5", 236lb. ball magnet, while Williams is a decent number of inches shorter at 6'2", and weighs an athletic 212lbs. Despite this, and despite Megatron having an otherworldy 45" vertical, Mike Williams seems to possess the same flexibility and strength when in the air to do what is necessary to bring a ball in. Both receivers will sacrifice their body to make a play as well, something I believe is a must in a truly #1 WR.
Finally, Mike Williams has something few other receivers in the league truly possess; incredible body control. I can recall many plays where he will locate a deep ball, estimate where it'll be when it gets to him, jump up and get it no matter how many defenders are around him, and then hold onto the ball like his life depended on it- all seemingly in slow motion. Take Week 1 as a prime example(pun intended), when the Bucs where in a rut against a surprising Detroit Lions team. Down by 2 touchdowns with 1:41 to go, Josh Freeman throws a heated shot to the back of the endzone. Mike Williams goes up, brings the ball to his chest, and looks down to make sure his feet are in-bounds. He lets his body fall, but holds onto the ball for a sensational play. And yes, while its true that they lost that game, going forward, I feel strongly that this is the kind of machine-like play that we will see from Optimus Prime.
No comments:
Post a Comment