Los Angeles Chargers: Mike Williams’ breakout performance upends Chiefs

Without running back Melvin Gordon and wideout Keenan Allen, Mike Williams put the Los Angeles Chargers on his back en route to victory.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams scored three touchdowns, two receiving and one rushing, and caught a wide-open pass for a two-point conversion to cap the best performance of his NFL career in a 29-28 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Missing their top two offensive playmakers, running back Melvin Gordon and wide receiver Keenan Allen, Los Angeles needed a spark and saw an explosion from Williams.

Williams used his 6-4, 220-pound frame to create separation throughout the night — clearly the strategy worked in the Chargers’ favor. The second-year wide receiver finished with seven catches for 76 yards to go along with his three scores and game-winning two-point conversion.

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Gordon didn’t suit up for a third consecutive contest because of a sprained MCL. Allen sustained a hip injury in the second quarter. Their absences certainly elevated the difficulty of keeping pace with the highest-scoring team in the league, but depth played a part in this mini-upset.

Coming into Thursday’s game, Williams ranked fourth on the team in targets (48) and third in receiving yards (516) but led the Chargers in touchdowns with seven.

The Chiefs probably prepared for Williams’ presence in the red zone, but his expanded role as a go-to option all over the field presented some issues against smaller cornerbacks Orlando Scandrick (5-10, 196 pounds), Steven Nelson (5-11, 194 pounds) and Kendall Fuller (5-11, 198 pounds).

Though it looked easy for Williams against the Chiefs in certain moments, he went through some rough patches as a rookie — primarily because of injury. He battled back and knee ailments through the campaign, played just 234 snaps and logged 11 catches for 95 yards in 10 appearances.

In April, Williams declared himself 100 percent and ready for redemption as a sophomore, per Ricky Henne of the team’s official website.

"I wasn’t capable of doing what I can do last year because of the injury.  This offseason, I feel 100%.  I’m ready to go out there and dominate. Everyone faces adversity.  It shows what kind of player you are when you can bounce back from adversity. I’m looking to redeem myself and show everyone what I’m capable of doing."

Williams’ confidence has translated to the field. His stature helps the offense compensate for the loss of tight end Hunter Henry, who’s been on injured reserve rehabbing a torn ACL. Now, we’re seeing quarterback Philip Rivers rely on his big-body receiver to move the chains.

If Allen misses time with a hip injury, expect Williams’ redemption story to continue into the postseason. As the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 draft, the Chargers certainly view him as a key part of their future. We could see tremendous growth in the Clemson product as the Chargers vie for a title in January.