Which Chargers offensive player will benefit most from new coaches?
For many, a new coaching staff brings a new opportunity to provide a first impression. For some, it’s a chance to be used properly. For others, it could be a chance to have the best coach in your career.
For the Chargers, there’s a handful of players that should benefit from first-year head coach Brandon Staley and the offensive staff that he brought in, but to me, there is one in particular that stands out.
Wide receiver Mike Williams, who is entering the final year of his contract, is in a prime position to have his best season to date under offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi.
Williams will be playing the ‘X’ receiver, which is the same role that was held by one of the league’s best wideouts, Saints’ Michael Thomas, who has put up record-setting receiving numbers dating back to 2018.
While Williams will have to fend off other play-makers for targets like Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler, Jared Cook, Tyron Johnson, among others, the nature of the offense naturally favors the role he will be playing.
“As much as this offense will resemble New Orleans, he plays the ‘X’ and the ball has always kind of found the ‘X’ receiver in this offense,” Lombardi said about Williams.
Williams has been known for his big-play ability down the field, whereas Thomas did the majority of his work in the short to intermediate parts of the field. How Williams will be utilized in that role will be an intriguing storyline at training camp.
Thomas has averaged a little over 150 targets per season during his first four healthy campaigns, and Williams has averaged 80 targets the last three seasons. If Williams can surpass over 100 targets, I believe he could be due for over 70 catches for 1,200 yards and 8-10 touchdowns.
“I see a big role for him. If I were a betting man, I’d bet on nice numbers coming from him on the stat sheet,” Lombardi said.
Should he stay healthy and have a big year, Williams could garner a nice-looking contract extension next offseason, whether that be with Los Angeles or somewhere else.
