DeAngelo Williams continues to carry the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive water through two games.
The 33-year-old running back gobbled up 94 yards on 32 carries Sunday afternoon as the Steelers knocked off the division rival Cincinnati Bengals. It was just 2.9 yards per carry, but the stats belie the production. Williams earned 79 yards after first contact, per Pro Football Focus, which kept the chains moving in mucky conditions. He also added 38 yards receiving and a touchdown reception.
In two games, the NFL's oldest back has 303 yards from scrimmage (237 rushing; 66 receiving) and three scores. He leads the NFL in rushing through two weeks.
Even with all the praise trickling down, Williams is perfectly fine being the best backup in the NFL. When Le'Veon Bell returns from suspension in Week 4, the veteran will hand the reins back to the younger dual-threat.
Speaking to The MMQB's Peter King after Sunday's victory, Williams refuted the notion that he's proven to be more than just an insurance policy for Bell.
"No! I am an insurance policy," Williams said. "I'm driving the car till L-Bell gets back. I'm trying to keep us in good position till he gets back. That's good with me. When I came here, I came here to win a Super Bowl. That's the only thing I care about."
The Steelers are 2-0 sans Bell with a road game versus in-state rival Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday.
With Williams' play, the Steelers have weathered the storm without their dynamic back. Given how running backs can grind down as the season wears, the suspension could end up benefiting Bell on the field.
Williams has proven spry enough to get work in a two-back system, but he's completely comfortable riding backseat once Bell returns.
