Dallas Cowboys: Will Terrance Williams have a breakout season?
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams had possibly his worst NFL season in 2017. With an increased role in the offense coming, how will he respond?
In the 2017 season, it is safe to say all of the Dallas Cowboys wide receivers underachieved. A group coming into the season that appeared to be one of the strengths of the team, labored through the year and left the Cowboys searching for new answers in the offseason.
Dallas did not have one receiver reach the 1,000-yard mark, or come close to double digit touchdown receptions.
Out of all the Cowboys receivers, the one who may have had the most disappointing season was Terrance Williams.
Coming into the 2017 season, Williams was seen as a solid number two wideout to counter Dez Bryant, and was expected to have a solid year as he had the four years past.
In his four NFL seasons prior to 2017, Williams had never caught less than three touchdown passes in a season, and in all but one season he totaled over 600 yards receiving.
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In this past season his numbers declined severely. He totaled 53 receptions, for 586 yards, averaging 10.7 yards per reception, and did not score one touchdown.
Although the biggest number that may jump off the page to you is Williams’s lack of scoring a single touchdown, his steep drop in yards per reception is just as important.
From 2013-2015 the Cowboys wideout averaged around 16.5 yards per reception every year, and then in 2016 it dropped a decent amount to 13.5.
When Terrance was at his best, he was not necessarily a big deep ball threat, but when he got this ball in his hands he made things happen.
A perfect example is what he was able to do in the 2014 playoff games against the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, scoring three touchdowns in those two games.
With the departure of Dez Bryant in the offseason, Williams should see an increased role in the Dallas passing offense.
To be effective, Williams needs to have the ball in his hands, and have a chance in space to make big plays and run after the catch.
I think in the absence of Dez, Terrance is going to have a great bounce back year this season.
If the Cowboys can have a strong run game, it will open up chances for Williams to get one on one coverage, and make plays down the middle of the field and have a chance to run after the catch.
Another year together will also only help the chemistry between quarterback Dak Prescott and Williams, and I think as Dak progresses in the offense, so will Williams’s production.
Tony Romo was able to make Williams so effective because he would get out of the pocket and when the play would break down, the Cowboys receiver was at his best.
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I believe Dak will take a big leap forward this year in making plays outside of the pocket, and this will work to Terrance’s strength, and help his post a great comeback season.