For Kyle Williams, last Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints could have been the most productive of his young career. Tying a season high with 14 offensive snaps, he saw multiple passes thrown
his way for the first time.
However, the third-round rookie was unable to haul any of his two targets in. As a result, he still stands at only two receptions for 20 yards six games into his NFL career.
For New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, however, there is no reason to worry.
“What we’ve done is look at the things we’re doing when the ball doesn’t come to you,” McDaniels explained on Thursday. “Are you doing the right things? A lot of times he is. And I keep saying — I’ve said that I feel like I broken record — the ball hasn’t quite found him on certain things yet, but if it does, then we’ll see what that looks like.”
Coming off a productive college career at UNLV and Washington State that saw him catch 248 passes for 3,608 yards and 29 touchdowns, Williams heard his name called 69th overall in this year’s draft. The Patriots brought him aboard to further help improve a wide receiver group that had been among the least productive in football for the previous two seasons.
The arrow is pointing up for the group, but Williams’ contributions have been limited. Besides catching those two passes, he also lost two yards on a rushing attempt. In total, he has played just 64 snaps — a playing time share of roughly 17% — as New England’s fifth wide receiver option.
Nonetheless, McDaniels sees a player who is doing the right things and will eventually be awarded.
“The fact that he continues to practice well, continues to have the ability to play at multiple positions gives him the ability to be in the game,” he explained. “We’re not like, ‘Hey, put him in a position where he can’t get it.’ He’s in there running plays. Last week he subbed in for [Stefon] Diggs, he subbed in for [Kayshon] Boutte, he subbed in for the slot receiver, so I think opportunities are there.
“He’s present and available every day at practice. He’s doing a really good job of understanding his assignments. And like I’ve said about [DeMario Douglas] and Kayshon and Diggs and different guys at different times, I think it’ll find him. 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.”
