"You're only as good as your record says you are," might not apply to the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers.
Sure the squad is 6-2 and atop the AFC North, but when you analyze their three-game winning streak, it leaves a lot ot be desired in terms of opponent.
Well, that all changes with the second half of their season, and it starts on Sunday, when the Steelers look to get some brand new additions involved against a 7-2 Washington Commanders team.
Commanders Already Bracing for Mike Williams
"He [Mike Williams] gives them somebody opposite No. 14, [George Pickens] you know, that can go vertically up the field," Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. said of newly acquired Steelers WR Mike Williams. "And so now, boom, [there are] shots on both sides for Russell [Wilson]. And what does Russell do best? He throws the deep ball really, really well. He's done that for a long time - just throw the ball outside the numbers. And now they can go 12 personnel [one running back, two tight ends] and put guys outside, block it up, and give him shot opportunities on both sides where there's 50/50, balls and that is a problem."
Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. couldn't have explained better the Steelers' reasoning for acquiring Williams from the New York Jets if he was the OC in Pittsburgh.
The ability to stretch the field vertically opposite of George Pickens, coupled with the ability to get into heavy run units, all the while playing to Russell Wilson's strengths is textbook as to why Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin made the deal.
Now, some may argue that the draft capital required to trade for Williams (5th rounder in the upcoming draft) is a little rich, bit it;s all semantics if Williams lives up to his playmaking ability from his time with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Following two full days of participation at practice it seems that Williams is gearing up to make his debut in the Black and Gold when Pittsburgh travels to the DMV on Sunday.
How much burn he actually receives is to be determined.
