Damien Williams could turn the tide of Super Bowl LIV

Damien Williams could be the unsung player who turns the tide against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV on Sunday night in Miami.

The Kansas City Chiefs running back carried the ball 17 times against the Tennessee Titans last weekend in the AFC Championship Game, and only averaged 2.6 yards per carry as he grinded his way to a 45-yard game. He found the end zone twice, which gives him four rushing scores in the postseason.

Those numbers, however, do not tell the full story of his value to this team’s offensive attack, or how he played a key role to swing the momentum in the conference title game.

Williams' versatility is key

Williams is a multifaceted running back who is key in the Chiefs’ scheme, whether it’s getting out for a dump-off, helping set up protection for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, or grinding out tough yardage on the ground.

Williams has caught seven passes for 65 yards and a touchdown during the playoff run, and over his last four games, has found the end zone eight times on 71 touches, including 14 receptions.

Williams is a big play back

Replacing Kareem Hunt was always going to be a tough ask for Williams, but injuries derailed him, as he dealt with knee, hamstring, and rib issues during the season.

Now fully healthy, he was vital in the comeback against the Texans, as the Chiefs began to get him the ball during their comeback and he came up with multiple key first downs. Williams showed multiple times, however, that he can break off the big play. None of those were bigger than his 91-yard touchdown run in Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings, a play that tied the franchise record for longest touchdown run.

"Playoff Damien" has been on a tear

Dubbed “Playoff Damien” by many in the Chiefs’ organization, he has stepped up big during the postseason. His nine touchdowns over the last two seasons are the most by any Kansas City player in franchise history over a two-year span, and he will have plenty of chances to build on that record against the 49ers. Williams was on the field for 62 of the Chiefs' 64 offensive snaps against the Texans, and 58 of their 68 plays against the Titans. Darwin Thompson was the beneficiary of the drop in plays from week to week, but Williams is still the go-to guy in this offense to line up alongside or behind Mahomes.

The 49ers defense will have to key on tight end Travis Kelce, and wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins, while also containing the mobile Mahomes. Given their aggressive pass rush, Williams should have plenty of chances on draw plays, screen passes, and check-downs. He will find the ball in his hands more than a dozen times in this game, and he could very well be the player that changes momentum for the Chiefs, as they look to win their first Super Bowl in 50 years.

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