Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Calls Out Surprising Lack Of Deep Shots: "Where's Mike Williams?"

The Pittsburgh Steelers surprised nearly everyone when they announced that wide receiver George Pickens would be unable to play because of a hamstring injury. Before the game, Head Coach Mike Tomlin told the media that they were hoping he could play and that they would just be able to manage his snaps, but later, it was revealed that Pickens didn't even warm up with the team. 

Pickens is the Steelers' top receiver in every sense of the word. He and quarterback Russell Wilson have developed strong chemistry, and it shows. It almost helped to allay the fears of those who worry that the team is missing a solid number two receiver. They did make a trade for Mike Williams just before the deadline, and everyone has been wondering when he will get more involved in the team's offense.  

Williams gave those watching immediate hope when he scored the game-winning touchdown against the Washington Commanders in his first game in black and gold back in Week 10. It felt like a sign that there were good things to come, but it's been weeks, and he's been all but invisible. Even former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger told the crew on WDVE that he is wondering. He joined Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show and was asked what would have been the first thing he would have done when he found out Pickens was out. 

"Ask coach where's Mike Williams?" said Roethlisberger. "I was at the game this week. I was sitting up there with James Harrison, and I was screaming at our offense because the safety most of the game was like eight, nine yards deep. I'm like, 'Take a shot, somebody! Come on!' I thought going into this game, with George down, this will be a great opportunity to really see Mike Williams. Let's get him in there and really develop into what I think they need is a true number two. They took a couple shots, but not as much as I thought they would have or should have this game."

Williams was acquired from the New York Jets for a fifth-round pick and was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers with the seventh overall pick in the first round. Since arriving in the Steel City, Williams has played in five games and has taken 89 total snaps, which is 25%. Tomlin insisted that it would happen, saying that he had been encouraged by what he had seen from Williams in practice. 

During the recent win over the Cleveland Browns, tight end Pat Freiermuth was the de facto leading wide receiver. However, Williams had the longest reception out of the actual receivers, 22 yards. He had three receptions from four targets for 36 yards. This is a big step, considering the target in Washington only came because Calvin Austin III was injured. 

For his part, Williams doesn't seem bothered by his previous lack of targets. He even posted on Instagram that he was just happy to be on a winning team. And the Steelers are winning. Currently, they are 10-3 and sit atop the AFC North.

Steelers Need To Add More Mike Williams And Less Of Another Player

No one was surprised when the Steelers signed hybrid receiver/running back Cordarrelle Patterson during the 2024 offseason. The free agent had been a favorite of new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. Tomlin presented him as an answer to the new kickoff rules, but the use of Patterson is of great concern to many. 

The Steelers have regularly worked him into the rotation with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, and he has been catching passes and rushing. Unfortunately, he hasn't done either consistently well, and after his fumble in the win over the Browns, people are begging Smith to be more selective about how he's used. They would prefer Smith use Williams more in the passing game and stick to his more reliable backs for rushing. 

Why do you think Williams hasn't played much? Click to comment below. 

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