Williams has always had the potential to be a game-changing defender.
He showed that ability as a rookie in 2021 with 203 carries and 43 catches for 1,219 yards and seven scores, but four games into his second season he tore his ACL and further injured his knee.
Head coach Sean Payton takes over in 2023 and still relies on Williams to be the leader of the backcourt, but the former second-round pick's explosiveness appears to have been diminished. Before his knee injury, Williams averaged 4.4 yards per carry, but starting in the 2023-24 season, Williams only advanced 3.6 yards per carry, and this offseason, he signed a one-year, $3 million contract with Dallas.
He quickly reversed expectations, scoring two touchdowns in the Cowboys' season opener and rushing for more than 75 yards in all but one game since. He has gained more than 6 yards per carry in three of his last five games. His overall YPC mark of 5.3 yards was nearly a yard better than his previous single-season best, while his rushing yards per game of 84.6 yards was more than 30 yards better than his previous high (53.1 yards).
In short, Williams has been a revelation for a Cowboys offense that ranks second in points scored and first in yards, thanks in part to Williams keeping the defense honest so quarterback Dak Prescott can dominate through the air.
Fortunately, the Broncos made a savvy move in June by signing JK Dobbins to a one-year, $5.25 million contract, and the veteran returned the favor with 523 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
If Denver doesn't find a suitable replacement through the combination of Dobbins and second-round pick R.J. Harvey, who has been slow to get going in scrimmages but has shown explosiveness, perhaps seeing Williams finally return to form three years after injury will sting to an extent.
Instead, the Broncos sit atop the AFC West with a 5-2 record and can celebrate the rise of their former RB while still preparing to stop it.
“I’m one of his biggest fans,” Payton said Friday. “I think he's found a great opportunity. You're talking about a great… You guys have been covering him longer than I've been coaching him, but he's a great guy, a great player, smart. I'm excited to see the success he's had… [Dallas is] His offensive game ranks among the best in the league for many reasons. Tight ends, skill receivers, running backs, quarterbacks, these are the players you're looking for. Our defense will be tested, so I'm looking forward to the challenge. “
The Broncos are scheduled to face Williams and the Cowboys on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.