Antonio Williams' Week 1 debut was highly encouraging. But the third-round rookie wide receiver will need much more in the Washington Commanders' crucial divisional matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
A more formidable adversary will also look to limit Williams' influence at AT&T Stadium. That, of course, is Caleb Downs.
Williams led the Commanders in receiving yards versus the Philadelphia Eagles. The Clemson product grew in confidence as the game wore on, and he expertly caught a tough touchdown pass in the closing stages to put Washington within touching distance of tying things up.
Antonio Williams must win his matchup against Cowboys rookie Caleb Downs
It didn't go their way in the end, but this performance will have raised trust in Williams' ability to come through when the lights are brightest.
He'll need all that and more this weekend.
Downs somehow made it through the cracks and into the Cowboys' lap at No. 11 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Commanders reportedly considered him, but they went with linebacker Sonny Styles instead. This will be his chance to show Washington what it'll be missing, and he'll be eager to make a statement.
Despite standing out at safety throughout his college career at Alabama and Ohio State, the Cowboys have been using Downs more in the nickel. They believe his instincts are better suited closer to the line of scrimmage, especially given how Dallas' linebacking corps struggled on Sunday Night Football against the New York Giants.
Much will depend on how much the Commanders involve Williams. But considering he does his best work out of the slot, the No. 71 overall pick can expect to see a lot of Downs whenever he's on the field.
And if he can win this matchup, the Commanders' chances are only going to improve.
Commanders need Antonio Williams to make his presence felt against the Cowboys
That will be easier said than done.
Downs has the intelligence, instincts, and athleticism to neutralize Williams if he isn't ready. Even so, the wideout has momentum, and performing so well against the Eagles' talented defensive backfield should mean he is brimming with confidence before another stern test of his credentials.
The Cowboys struggled in New York, especially on defense, but Downs was a genuine bright spot. He looks as advertised, and he'll only get better with more experience.
But the same goes for Williams, too.
He wasted no time in showcasing what he can bring to Washington's offense. Williams is a sharp route runner who knows how to spot the soft areas in coverage. He manipulates opposing defensive backs superbly, and the connection with quarterback Jayden Daniels got off to an exceptional start.
Week 2 will be tougher for Williams. But he should be relishing the prospect of going up against Downs.
He won't win every rep, but Williams has the scope to have a significant say in the overall outcome.
Williams won't do it alone, either.
Daniels is under center, and the Commanders also have Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs in the receiver room. But with tight end Chig Okonkwo missing the contest through injury, offensive coordinator David Blough needs another reliable asset across the middle who can gain yards after the catch.
That's where Williams comes in. And even though Downs represents a formidable obstacle to overcome, don't count the gifted pass-catcher out.
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