Mike Williams’ costly mistake on MNF was nail in the Davante Adams trade coffin
By Ryan Heckman
Make no mistake, this was an Aaron Rodgers move all the way. The NY Jets traded for Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams on Tuesday morning, just hours after dropping a divisional prime-time matchup to the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football.
Rodgers actually looked pretty good on Monday night, all things considered. However, the Jets still fell to 2-4. In a panic move to try and save the season, New York went out and finally secured Adams, trading a conditional third-rounder that could wind up becoming a second, in the end.
So, beyond the obvious reason, why did the Jets pull off this trade now?
Look no further than New York's final drive on Monday night, when Rodgers unleashed a deep pass to wide receiver Mike Williams that could have put the Jets in position for a game-tying field goal, or who knows, maybe even a game-winning touchdown.
Every Jets fan who watched this game knows what happened next. Williams slipped, fell down, and allowed Bills defensive back Taron Johnson to intercept the pass, essentially ending the game (after Buffalo would attain a single first down on the following drive).
Williams' mishap was certainly the reason why New York lost this game if you were to ask Rodgers. The quarterback wasn't shy about explaining this play, the route, and ultimately Williams' costly mistake.
You have to believe that, once this game was over, Rodgers went straight to Woody Johnson and told him to get an Adams deal done ... or else.
He can talk about how much power people think he has, and deny it all he wants, but let's be real here. Rodgers wanted Adams badly, and he got him.
Mike Williams played himself out of a NY Jets job on Monday Night Football
After his mistake and this Adams trade, you better believe Williams is taking a back seat. There is no chance Allen Lazard goes to the bench. He's one of Rodgers' guys. And, obviously, Garrett Wilson is Garrett Wilson. So, he's not going anywhere.
Adams is going to dominate targets in the near future, with the other two sprinkling in and having their moments. That means Williams' time as any part of this offense is likely up. Rodgers has even praised Xavier Gipson in the past, calling for the young speedster to get more time on the field.
It is highly unlikely Williams gets significant playing time going forward, barring an unforeseen injury.
Now, the Jets have a triple-threat at wide receiver; guys who Rodgers is more than comfortable with. And, don't forget that backfield getting a lot of pressure taken off them. Breece Hall and Braelon Allen should feast even more, going forward.
At least, that's the plan in a perfect world, which we're far from living in if we're Jets fans.