Bad news, fantasy football managers.
Through a small two-game sample size, Javonte Williams has not returned to his pre-injury form the way we had hoped he would. There are 15 games left this season, so it’s possible that Williams could still turn things around, but his early-season production is alarming.
Williams has rushed 19 times for 40 yards, a woeful 2.1 yards per carry average. Not all of the blame falls on him. Defenses do not appear to be respecting rookie quarterback Bo Nix, so they can sell out to stop the run (and the stats back that up). Denver’s offensive line has also been inconsistent, and the playcalling could improve.
But Williams is not blameless.
“I’d say it’s probably a collection of all of us,” coach Sean Payton said Monday when asked about Williams’ lack of production. “Let’s start with design and scheme, and then let’s get into some execution. I just finished looking at a play that he gained three yards, and it really should be a gain of seven yards. How are we blocking the backside of this? Do we need to clean that up? He misses a cut or two in the game. We need to make sure we get his eyes where they need to be. In other words, having coached that position before, it’s very easy to overcoach. Where’s your key? There’s usually one defensive player that you’re keying on. Then he can predicate or dictate your cut.”
Payton indicated that there’s room for improvement across the board, including areas where Williams can improve. The coach also said he’s looking forward to seeing Williams run like he did this summer, a sign that Payton expects the running back to get better. However, Payton also hinted that Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie could get more work if Williams’ slump continues.
“I saw it in training camp,” Payton said. “I look forward to seeing it this season. In the meantime, some of these other guys are doing a good job. Jaleel is another one that needs more touches. We talked about Tyler Badie earlier. You’re patient, and yet at some point — and it starts up front obviously — you want to see those runs.”
Until the offense proves it can move the ball consistently, Williams will remain a risky play in fantasy football, and he might now be in danger of losing more touches to McLaughlin and Badie. The next two weeks could be make-or-break games for Williams’ 2024 outlook.
