Detroit Lions fans are excited to see head coach Dan Campbell get standout wide receiver Jameson Williams involved in the offense over the last two games after seeing him struggle to find a rhythm in the previous eight games.
After posting six receptions (seven targets) for 119 yards and a touchdown in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders, Williams racked up four receptions (seven targets) for 88 yards. He also scored the Lions’ lone touchdown in the second quarter in Sunday night’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
However, after he scored the touchdown, Williams was given an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for a celebration (h/t @FanDuel), which hurt his team. Instead of kicker Jake Bates having to make an extra point from the normal 33 yards out, it became 48, which was not ideal since the wind was blowing at Lincoln Financial Field. Bates missed the extra point, leaving the game tied up at 6-6.
That missed XP didn’t cost the Lions the game, but Campbell was still asked about it afterwards and put the onus on Williams. According to ESPN’s Eric Woodyard, Campbell said that he told the young receiver, “That’s a helluva play, but don’t do that again.”
Jameson Williams Must Listen to Dan Campbell's Reality Check
Now, could you make the case that the refs shouldn’t have called the flag? Maybe, but once Williams made contact with the goalpost for a celebration, he gave them the ammunition they needed to throw a flag.
The Lions' speedster should know that the league has been cracking down on all types of celebrations this year, even ones that could be deemed as taunting. As tempting as an over-the-top celebration might be, it isn't worth it if it hurts the team.
And in a game of that magnitude where every little detail and point matters, you can’t afford to have those slip-ups. We’re talking more about Williams’ celebration than the actual play, which was what the Lions needed, as he showcased his speed and outraced Eagles CB Adoree’ Jackson to the end zone.
Conversely, if you're a Lions fan, you're happy to see Campbell talk to his young wideout while also giving him credit for making a huge play. It's also great to see Williams playing with confidence again, so hopefully, that continues (as long as he leaves the goalposts out of any celebrations).
Going forward, the hope is that’s the last time Campbell will have to talk to the young wideout about his post-celebration antics. Because if Williams has another costly penalty like that down the stretch, it won’t be tolerated by Campbell, and it could come back to haunt Detroit on the scoreboard.