During the Detroit Lions' bye week, one of the main topics of conversation has been Jameson Williams' lack of involvement in the offense. The talented wide receiver has not been a big part of the offense to start the season and is currently on pace for 702 yards and four touchdowns for the season. In Detroit's last game before the bye, he finished with zero catches on only two targets.
Normally, a player of Williams' caliber would make a big deal about his situation, especially after securing a three-year, $83 million extension over the offseason. Immediately following his breakout campaign in 2024, getting minimized like this would upset any 24-year-old starter. Williams, on the other hand, has been playing it perfectly.
Williams Succeeds in Putting Lack of Touches at Center During Bye Week
After the Lions' win over the Bucs, when he was a complete non-factor, Williams posted a series of eyebrow-raising stories on his Instagram, implying his frustration about not getting the ball all game. He got the team's attention, but didn't go any further. This resulted in offensive coordinator John Morton taking responsibility for Williams' lack of involvement, saying that Morton has "failed him."
Williams responded appreciatively, saying that it meant a lot to him that Morton acknowledged the situation, per MLive's Ben Raven. He also denied being mad or frustrated, adding that he will continue playing the right way and doing the right things, and the offense will sort itself out.
Compare this to other star receivers around the league, like AJ Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Lions fans should be grateful that Williams is not making a bigger deal out of this. This should also benefit him when the Lions take on the Vikings in Week 9.
The way Williams handled it could prove to be the most beneficial for him, as Morton will almost certainly try to get him more touches moving forward. Williams made his voice heard without being too much of a distraction, alienating his teammates, or upsetting the coaching staff.
The best way the Lions can utilize Williams more effectively is by adding more diversity in his targets. Williams' average depth of target went up from 11.2 yards last season to 17 this season, suggesting that he has been pigeonholed as merely a deep threat. Ben Johnson was doing a better job getting him the ball through quick throws, and Morton needs to take something from that playbook.