Not a lot of this going on this season. Photo source: The Tacoma News Tribune

 

One of the hottest topics among Seahawks fans this season is Mike Williams. And no, it’s not because he is successfully repeating his breakout 2010 season of 65 receptions for 751 yards. Quite the opposite, in fact.

To say the very least, Williams is having a disappointing season. His struggles were brought to a forefront this Thursday in the Seahawks 31-14 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Mike had no catches in the nationally televised game.

Last year, the 6-foot-5 beast of a wide receiver absolutely abused defensive backs. But this year, Williams is dropping balls and not getting the ball thrown to him. His 14 catches for 192 yards and one touchdown are baffling. It doesn’t make sense. So...What happened?

Well, the first thing we want to think is that he’s unmotivated and lost his drive. After hearing that, Williams replied “I don’t think there is any truth to that.” And I agree. There’s no way a guy just 18 months parted from being a jobless loser could possibly lose his drive this quick. No one is that shallow and unappreciative.

To answer this question, we need to go back to last season. Given one more chance after being a first-round bust, Williams flourished when reunited with Pete Carroll, his former coach at USC. Williams became the focal point of the Hawks’ passing game and, with a veteran quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck, had the best season of his career.

But now Hasselbeck is gone to Tennessee and Seattle’s passing game is called by offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and run by quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. Doug Baldwin has emerged as a solid target – leading the team in receptions with 37 – and with Pete Carroll’s continued commitment to give Golden Tate and Ben Obomanu more chances, Williams has more competition for catches.

Keep in mind that Sidney Rice came over from Minnesota, and proceeded to take Williams’ no. 1 receiver spot.

Williams has been hampered by injuries, suffering a concussion this season in October and a foot injury last season. That’s bound to harm a player who relies on speed to make an impact.

However, a lot of the blame is put on Williams. He has dropped balls that he caught last season and hasn’t run routes as crisp. But at least he admits it.

Mike wants to hold himself accountable. He said to AP Writer Tim Booth, “When you’re hard on yourself the guys around you know you hold yourself accountable to how you’re supposed to perform, how you’re supposed to play. There is only one way to perform. Either you’re making plays or you’re not.”

A quote like that is refreshing to hear with how many wide receivers in today’s NFL putting the blame on someone else. Mike knows he needs to get back on track, and that’s all you can ask for from a struggling player.

Go Seahawks.