The Los Angeles Chargers continued their inspiring revival in Week 17 by defeating their SoFi Stadium co-tenants, the Los Angeles Rams, 31-10, and wide receiver Mike Williams had himself a nice day.
He caught seven passes for 94 yards, and he provided perhaps the highlight of the game when he made a one-handed catch near the sideline and managed to land both feet inbound to ensure an 18-yard gain.
MIKE WILLIAMS WITH THE CATCH OF 2023 😱 pic.twitter.com/2LrKp4UjrH
— PFF (@PFF) January 1, 2023
It came at an important juncture, as the Bolts were clinging to a 14-10 lead late in the second quarter, and it helped lead to a field goal by Cameron Dicker to give them a one-touchdown lead at halftime.
Quarterback Justin Herbert gave Williams some high praise following the game.
#Chargers QB Justin Herbert on WR Mike Williams one handed catch, “He’s about as special as it gets.”
Williams on the catch said, “I don’t know, it was crazy.” pic.twitter.com/Zwj1catV7I— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) January 2, 2023
“I don’t know how anyone else does anything with that,” Herbert said. “He’s about as special as it gets.”
Williams has emerged as one of the Chargers’ most reliable weapons on offense over the last few years.
Although he has been hampered by injuries this season, he has managed to put up 863 yards and four touchdowns in 12 contests, and he barely trails running mate Keenan Allen with 71.9 receiving yards per game.
Williams has also improved his catch percentage from 58.9 percent in 2021 to a career-high 67.0 percent this year.
At 6-foot-4 and nearly 220 pounds, he is almost as large as some tight ends, which has made him a nice target in the red zone.
After being ravaged by injuries this season, Los Angeles is finally getting healthy, as Williams, Allen, pass rusher Joey Bosa and safety Derwin James have all recently returned to action.
The team has won four games in a row, allowing it to clinch a playoff spot, and it can finish the season with a very solid 11-6 record and the fifth seed in the AFC with a win over the struggling Denver Broncos on Sunday.
NEXT: Chargers Have Staged A Remarkable Turnaround