Tennessee Titans at Oakland Raiders: 3 players to watch in Week 14

Tyrell Williams

The Raiders original plan this offseason was to slot Tyrell Williams into their wide receiver corps as the team’s No.2 option. Once the Antonio Brown debacle unfolded, Williams was forced into a new role as Gruden’s No.1 wide receiver weapon.

Critics have been harsh on Williams of late for his lack of productivity as Oakland’s No.1 wideout and rightfully so. He hasn’t found the end zone since week 8 after scoring in his first five games as an Oakland Raider. No matter how you shape it, Williams hasn’t been dynamic by any means, but for the long-term plans, if Gruden slides him back into the No.2 role he could be a quality building block moving forward.

But for now, Williams is being evaluating as Oakland’s No.1 wide receiver and he hasn’t quite played like one. In his last five games, Williams has averaged just over two catches per game and 36 receiving yards.

Gruden’s offense is at it’ best when there is a balance between the running attack and a dependable passing game. The Titans rank 27th in the NFL as they allow an average of 260 passing yards per game. It’s crucial for Williams to get going because when he’s threatening the defense, it allows bigger gaps for Josh Jacobs when running the football.