DeAngelo in 2004.....a preview of things to come...

[British_Panther]

Breakaway speed is great when you're playing the Lions defence but otherwise to break a long TD you have to be able to make cuts at nearly full speed, DWill can and thats why he scores long TDs. AP can't and thats why he usually gets tackled after a long gain.

[Mr. Scot]

Even though I doubt it was their intention, the lack of playing time over the first two years could have been the best thing to happen to DeAngelo. After being pretty much the entire Memphis offense for his final two college seasons, a few seasons with less touches probably made him a much better player. Not to mention the mental aspect of learning the game.

While I love what DeAngelo has done, it's also worth noting that he didn't look nearly this good last season...or even close. The offensive line deserves just as much credit for his performance this year.

There's an added dimension there too.

One of the local guys (don't remember which) mentioned recently that Williams had a tough time learning to trust his blockers when he made the transition to the NFL. He still had that mindset that he had to be the whole offense, and that rarely works in the pros.

The offensive line has indeed improved, but so has DeAngelo's willingness to trust them and follow their lead. I'd say that's been just as important.

[TheJza]

I'd also suggest that to those now suggesting that DeAngelo looks so much better this year...consider this:

2007 - 167 touches for 892 total yards, for an average of 5.34 per touch.

2008 - 270 touches for 1458 total yards, for an average of 5.4 per touch.

He hasn't gotten better...HE'S GOTTEN THE DAM BALL!

His longest rush from scrimmage was longer last year, as was his longest reception from scrimmage. He has significantly more touchdowns this year, primarily because the coaching staff is not trying to reinvent the wheel. Yes, the line is better, but I would also argue that last year's line would have looked a whole lot better with Jake under center for 16 games, and Williams in the backfield more often.

It is what it is!