Mike Williams' slow integration into the Jets' offense should ironically bring some optimism.
This unit has already shown that it has improved dramatically with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback.
And it had little effect on Williams, who signed a one-year deal worth $10 million this offseason.
He is expected to have limited action for the start of the season as part of the Jets' rehabilitation plan from the torn left ACL he suffered in Week 3 against the Chargers last year.
But once he's fully developed, Williams could help take this offense to another level.
And it seems imminent.
“He's definitely part of the rotation,” head coach Robert Saleh said before Friday's practice. “I don't want to say he has a pitch limit anymore. We're doing a good job of grouping personnel and getting players in and out of the huddle, so he'll continue to get more and more comfortable as he gets more comfortable with the offense and the quarterback.” He will play a big role.”
For his part, Williams feels he is now ready to tackle a full workload.
In fact, he's felt that way for a while now — ever since he took part in a team drill prior to Week 1 and was knocked to the ground but was able to get back up without issue.
But he knows that a gradual approach is to his own benefit.
“From the moment I put on the suit, I was ready for anything.” [in pads] Really,” Williams told the Post after practice Friday. “It’s a long season, that’s what coach said, so trust the process and be ready when we leave.
“I feel good. I can go out and do what I can and make some plays. Run, jump, whatever. Yeah, I'm fine.”
Williams, 29, played just 18 percent of the snaps in the Jets' loss to the 49ers in Week 1. He had just participated fully in practice the week before.
Williams played 65 percent of the offensive snaps in the Week 2 win over the Titans, but that dropped to 45 percent in the Week 3 win over the Patriots.
He caught four passes for 53 yards through three games.
The Jets signed Williams as their No. 2 receiver behind Garrett Wilson, but he was severely lacking the previous two seasons.
The Jets signed Allen Lazard to a five-year, $44 million contract last year to fill that role, but he struggled through a disastrous first season with the team.
But with former Packers teammate Rodgers at quarterback, Lazard is enjoying a bounce-back season, with 11 catches for 148 yards and three touchdowns this year.
As Williams continues to develop his legs under him, Lazard is emerging as the team's true No. 2 receiver in his place.
But at 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, Williams' ability to catch the ball, especially downfield and in the red zone, could bring a valuable new element to the Jets' offense.
“Another offensive threat,” Williams said. “We have a lot of offensive weapons, so we just add another threat. A guy who can run the offense, take the top off the defense and be a dominant player.”
It's not just about getting yourself back physically, but there's also a mental aspect.
Williams was only able to practice offside and alone for most of training camp, not giving his teammates enough reps to learn the offense and playbook.
“We have a lot to lose,” Saleh said. “Think about what his first practice was. They were like really getting his reps. It wasn't until after the Giants that it really started happening. [preseason] game. He lost three months of OTAs. He lost everything in training camp, but at the same time I'm going to give him credit. Attend every meeting, participate in every walkthrough, and participate in every conversation. So at least he doesn't have to go through it to get caught.
“It's more about getting full-speed reps and on-air routes and understanding what the quarterback wants to do based on certain looks and leverage and things like that, and where the quarterback is going to put the ball. So , now it’s just a matter of getting the reps.”
