The Detroit Lions entered Sunday night’s game with a 4-1 record, but one of the biggest questions was what was happening with wide receiver Jameson Williams.
The fourth-year wideout was made part of Detroit’s long-term plans when he inked a three-year, $83 million contract extension this offseason. However, that commitment didn’t show up on the field in the first five games as Williams was only able to contribute 11 catches for 223 yards and a touchdown. While Dan Campbell praised Williams for getting involved in other ways, Williams suggested some issues with the Lions offense ahead of Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
While the Lions didn't pick up the win on Sunday, Williams may have scored a victory of his own. With six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown, Williams became more involved in the offense and could become a more complete receiver for Detroit as a result.
Lions WR Jameson Williams Showed He Can Be More Than a Deep Threat
The Lions did their best to get Williams involved early with a pair of receptions on the opening drive. Then, they made sure the wideout found the end zone on a 22-yard touchdown reception from Jared Goff on their second drive. The touchdown was notable not only because it was his second score of the year, but it was also the 2nd shortest regular-season touchdown of his career, according to ESPN’s Eric Woodyard.
Williams continued to keep finding ways to get involved, catching more passes on Sunday than in the past three weeks combined (five). While his 66 yards weren’t his highest total of the season, it was more impactful than the 108 yards he racked up on two catches during a Sept. 14 win over the Chicago Bears.
If the Lions are going to be competitors in the NFC, this is the version of Williams that will need to show up. He’s one of the best deep threats in the league. That multifaceted approach on Sunday opened the game up for Sam LaPorta to make a leaping one-handed touchdown grab as well as for Goff to turn in another efficient effort, completing 22-of-25 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns.
While that didn’t clear things out for Amon-Ra St. Brown, who finished with nine catches for 45 yards, that may come if Williams continues to force defenses to send attention his way. That should make the Lions offense more efficient as the year goes along and perhaps dissolve any tension Williams felt when the ball wasn’t coming his way.