Green Bay Packers: 5 Standouts from Preseason Week 1 vs. Texans
By Joe Kipp
4. Dexter Williams, RB
Rookie running back Dexter Williams looked great in his NFL debut, notching 14 carries for 62 yards and catching one pass for 18 yards. Overall, Williams was the best running back on the field — for both the Packers and Texans — but we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves too much.
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After all, both teams were playing backups, and even backups to the backups, so Williams should have looked the part as a standout runner. That said, nothing is given in the NFL so we have to give credit where it’s due.
Finishing with an average of 4.4 yards per carry, Williams showed all game he was willing to finish runs even after being contacted at or near the line of scrimmage. His ability to stay patient, find the right gap, square up through the hole and accelerate through was extremely impressive. Perhaps most importantly, though, he showed a willingness to stick his nose into oncoming traffic and was a willing pass blocker for his quarterbacks.
The Packers are in good hands with Williams as their third-string tailback, assuming Jamaal Williams resumes his role as the backup when he returns from his hamstring injury. Of course, we all know how capable Aaron Jones is, as well, it’s just been his ability to stay healthy and on the field.