In 2009, with the release of Owens, Williams was expected to take over as the team's leading wide receiver, but against the Kansas City Chiefs, as a replacement for the injured Williams, Miles Austin had a breakout game with 10 receptions for 250 yards (a Cowboys record for receiving yards in a single-game, breaking Bob Hayes' 246-yard effort in 1966) and 2 touchdowns. Williams would be again relegated to the second wide receiver role for the rest of the season, although he helped the Cowboys win their first playoff game since 1996, by making five catches for 59 yards including several crucial third down catches in the first half.