Mike Williams is hoping to see more individual progress when the Jets face the Patriots in their home opener Thursday night at MetLife Stadium.
The ninth-year wide receiver played 35 times against the Titans, exceeding his initial projection of 20-25 appearances.
He made a promising 19-yard catch on his only target on the Jets' game-winning drive that ended with a rushing touchdown by rookie Braylon Allen.
“It was a little bit beyond what I expected, but I felt good and I don't want to quit,” Williams told The Post on Tuesday. “I mean, I want to play, so hopefully it's the same thing in this match and then I go out on the court and play.”
The Jets planned to play cautiously from the start after Williams tore his ACL at the start of the 2023 season with the Chargers.
They kept their promise, giving him just nine snaps in the season opener against the 49ers.
The team is aware of Williams' enthusiasm, but it remains unclear who will be playing Thursday.
“He's feeling good. That was one of the first questions we asked him. [Monday]”He's doing really well, he wants to play more, he's feeling good so we're going to keep giving him the ball,” coach Robert Saleh said.
Williams said he expected to feel unwell after the travel and increased snapping, but was surprised and pleased to see no swelling on the plane and that “everything is fine.”
“It's a lot less stressful on the legs. There's a lot more walk-throughs and stuff,” he said of adjusting to the shorter week. “So, in that respect, I've got to make sure I watch film and work on it mentally. But physically, having a process and a plan to follow will make me feel comfortable throughout the season.”
Williams, who joined the team as an addition to Garrett Wilson, was a key receiver for the Chargers.
In seven seasons with San Diego, he recorded two 1,000-yard campaigns, including his last in 2021, when he played every game of the season.
