There were calls to get DeAngelo Williams more involved in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense. Mike Tomlin did that Sunday by making him the team’s short-yardage back, but cautioned that is far from a permanent role.
“He was a week ago,” Tomlin replied at his press conference when asked if Williams was the planned short-yardage against the Kansas City Chiefs.
“We’ll build a plan this week that gives us the best opportunity to win this challenge.”
Williams carried the ball four times, all in third or fourth and short. He converted twice, each on the Steelers’ second drive of the game. That one ended, however, after Williams’ suffered a key 3rd and 2 drop inside the Chiefs’ ten, forcing a Chris Boswell field goal. Tomlin cited that as one of the key plays in today’s press conference.
Williams was also stuffed on 4th and 1 on the next series, stalling out a drive that saw the Steelers reach the Chiefs’ 32 yard line.
I wouldn’t expect Williams to be the short-yardage down every week but the team appears focused on getting him touches. Perhaps he’ll spell Le’Veon Bell for a series or two next Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
On the year, Williams has rushed for 239 yards and three touchdowns. The majority of that, of course, came during Bell’s absence during the first two weeks.
