The San Francisco 49ers have successfully maneuvered through a challenging season, boasting a record of 10-4. Despite injuries and other setbacks, they are on the verge of clinching a playoff spot, with the NFC West title within their grasp. A Super Bowl run seems plausible, thanks to the exceptional coaching of Kyle Shanahan and his staff, as well as the strong culture established by Shanahan and General Manager John Lynch in Santa Clara. However, amidst this success lies a critical issue that must be addressed before the playoffs: Trent Williams needs a touchdown.
At 37 years old, Williams has played in 223 NFL games, establishing himself as one of the greatest offensive linemen of his generation and an all-time great in the sport. Despite his accolades and financial success, he has yet to score a touchdown, a fact that is beginning to weigh on him.
The urgency of this situation became evident during the recent game against the Tennessee Titans. While the 49ers secured a victory, the moment that stood out was when Titans quarterback Cam Ward threw a touchdown pass to defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who had lined up as a fullback. Williams, a spectator to this unexpected scoring play, felt a pang of disappointment. When asked about Simmons” achievement, he chuckled but his demeanor revealed a deeper sadness. “That was a cool little wrinkle,” he said, his voice tinged with resignation. “At the end of the day, I”ve had a long time to sit there and fantasize about a touchdown. I think those fantasies kind of faded a bit.”
This admission highlights a missed opportunity for the 49ers. It is surprising that Shanahan, known for his offensive creativity, has not found a way to get Williams into the end zone. In past seasons, there have been attempts to utilize him as an eligible receiver, but these efforts have not resulted in the desired touchdown. During a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Williams was briefly placed at tight end, only to be overthrown by quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. “It”s definitely a lot harder than it looks,” Williams humorously remarked at that time. Later on, he was used as a blocker in the postseason against the Green Bay Packers, but again, he did not get the chance to score.
The 49ers” offense is currently firing on all cylinders, having scored multiple touchdowns in recent games. With upcoming matchups against the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and Seattle Seahawks, the team has the potential to afford risks and explore creative plays. Williams, a player who moves with agility that belies his size, deserves to have a chance to score a touchdown. It would not require a complex play; a simple one-yard rush or a play-action bootleg could suffice.
The NFC West title and playoff positioning are certainly important, but addressing this unique and personal quest for Williams is equally vital. He has envisioned his touchdown celebration for years. It is time for the 49ers to make this fantasy a reality before the opportunity slips away.
