Steelers Player Spotlight: DeAngelo Williams

DeAngelo Williams has shocked the league, once again, by being one of, if not the most productive running back through two weeks at age 33.

When people discuss the great running backs of the league, DeAngelo Williams isn’t often a name that comes to mind. Adrian Peterson, our Le’Veon Bell, Todd Gurley, and many more are often brought into that discussion before even the idea of Williams pops into someone’s mind.

Yet, Williams has managed to outperform every running back in the league so far and is currently leading the league in touches and rushing yards. While the rushing yards statistic might be the one attracting more attention, the 58 carries he has endured two weeks in truly amazes me. Why? Because DeAngelo Williams is also 33 years old.

Williams comes into this season being the 2nd oldest back in the league (behind John Kuhn). Many analysts, and I’m sure fans believed that it was just so unlikely to see him produce like he did last year, or has throughout his career, but has proven that much like the beloved James Harrison, age means nothing when you’re seeking greatness.

After accumulating over 10000 total career yards this week, Williams joins an elite group of receivers and running backs to reach that accomplishment. Although, despite all the accolades, Williams desires just one thing; A Super Bowl.

"“Stats to me don’t matter. All that matters to me is a Super Bowl ring. I’m going to do whatever my coach tells me I need to do…If it’s be a wide receiver, be a running back, be the water boy, take out the trash…Whatever it takes to get to the Super Bowl.” -DeAngelo Williams"

That’s the kind of player that every team wishes for. DeAngelo Williams is a true team player, and he cares far more about winning than padding his stats. Since joining Pittsburgh in 2015, he has not only been one of the biggest free agent acquisitions for a team in recent years, but has become an instant fan favorite.

Williams spent most of his career with the Carolina Panthers, where he put together two 1000+ yard seasons, and a very impressive one that included 18 touchdowns. Last season, Williams was tied for the league lead with 11 touchdowns in his first year as a Steeler.

With Le’Veon Bell’s suspensions and injuries, Williams has played an instrumental piece in keeping the Pittsburgh offense as one of the best in the league, and while most will credit Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and other stars amongst the unit, Williams is another true star that maybe doesn’t always get the credit he deserves.

With his extremely impressive production throughout the season so far, many have even pondered the idea of him remaining the starter even with Bell returns from his suspension next week, but he’s not one of them. Williams stated that once Bell returns, he’s the starter. Williams wants to win, and he knows that Bell gives the Steelers the best opportunity of that.

Next: Steelers vs Eagles: Week 3 Injury Report

DeAngelo Williams has been one of the most important players in Pittsburgh for the last two years. He is the best backup in the league, by far, and when Bell isn’t on the field, he is one of the best starters.

It will be interesting to see how Pittsburgh divides up the snaps once Bell returns, but hopefully Williams will continue to play a role on the team throughout the year, which he surely deserves. Should be a fun duo to watch in 2016, and hopefully they can lead the charge to a 7th Lombardi Trophy.