With Le’Veon Bell out for the season due to injury, DeAngelo Williams has his opportunity with the Pittsburgh Steelers once again.
And while things appear dark right now for the Pittsburgh fan base, Williams has proven this season that he still has a lot in the tank. Bell is undoubtedly irreplaceable, but for the Steelers, the 32-year-old Williams is a viable option as a backup.
The 10-year veteran was the primary running back during Bell’s two-game suspension to start the season. Williams made the most of the situation, as he rushed for three touchdowns in that span, which led the NFL.
Williams was second in the league in rushing in those two weeks, accumulating 204 yards on the ground on 41 carries. In the season opener against the New England Patriots, Williams rushed for 127 yards on 21 carries, averaging six yards per run. On the season, the former first-round pick has rushed for 310 yards on 63 carries to go along with 10 receptions for 67 yards.
In relief of Bell last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, Williams rushed for 71 yards on nine carries, his longest run of 55 yards. He also caught four passes for 39 yards.
Before Bell came back from suspension, Williams looked as healthy and explosive as he has in years. The Steelers lead the league with 11 runs of 20 or more yards, and Williams has two of them, including the 55-yard rush against the Bengals. Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers will rally around the veteran, who has proven he can still play at a high level, perhaps to the level of his Carolina Panther days.
Williams does still possess that elusiveness which made him one of the more dangerous backs in the league for years. He’s still able to read the defense well and make the cuts in his routes, while still showing off his burst of speed from time to time.
And while the circumstances in which he earned the starting role back aren’t necessarily ideal, Williams will cherish the opportunity once again. It’s a role he has learned to accept.
“It’s a double edged sword. The opportunity presented itself because of the situation. It’s tough for me to say that I like it. Will I embrace it? Yes. This is a team sport and we have to put wins together to get us to that eight man tournament which is the playoffs and get to our ultimate goal and the Super Bowl.”
– DeAngelo Williams to Steelers.com
Just like he did in September, Williams will sure embrace the opportunity.
He feels like he still has a lot to prove, and his teammates are looking forward to the show.
“He has done some great things. He is very comfortable with us blocking for him. He has been there before. He is a vet. It’s going to be his show now. We will just rally around him, encourage him and step it up a notch as an offensive line. He is a special player.”
-Pittsburgh tackle Marcus Gilbert to Steelers.com