There has been some angst among Detroit Lions fans when it comes to wideout Jameson Williams' limited production. The speedy receiver's numbers are propped up by a couple of deep plays in what has been an otherwise underwhelming start to the season. This led to ESPN's Eric Woodyard reporting quarterback Jared Goff's postgame comments, where he understandably defended his receiver:
"We would love to go to (Williams) as much as possible. He's as good a player as there is in this league, so I don't think this game was something different... I made a poor decision on an interception... I saw it poorly and got pretty reckless. I thought Jamo did fine."Jared Goff, Lions QB
Even if Goff was concerned about Williams, there is zero chance he is going to admit this in a media scrum. Any level of worry is going to be kept in-house, but that shouldn't change the fact that Detroit fans should be worried about the fourth-year playmaker heading into Week 5.
Lions Should Be Concerned About WR Jameson Williams' Slow Start
Williams has only 214 receiving yards through four games, with the bulk of this coming on two big plays from the speedster. He's also only made two catches in each of the last three games after having four in the season opener. Considering how much the Lions pride themselves on spreading the football around, there simply is no excuse for Williams' lackluster start.
Detroit opting to pay Williams with an $83 million three-year extension ahead of the year was always a bit of a risk. One that was betting on a breakout season that would cause it to become a team-friendly decision. However, early in the 2025 season, the opposite has been the case for a player who simply appears to have one trick to help the offense. If Williams isn't using his speed to get over the top, there isn't a lot the receiver is offering this offense right now.
While offensive coordinator John Morton should be given patience to work the receiver back into the offense, there is no denying the high level of frustration with the lack of early production. Adding to this is the fact that Williams is on pace for easily the worst Pro Football Focus grade of his career. His regressed performance is building a level of anxiety about whether or not the Lions put pen to paper too soon.
Regardless, Detroit remains in a great position and has plenty of time to figure out how to get Williams the football. Morton and the offensive coaching staff have to find a way to get the ex-Alabama WR rolling again, whether that's through more targets or different play designs.
Hopefully, a turnaround happens quickly because the Lions can't pretend like Williams' slow start isn't a concern forever, no matter how badly Goff wants to cover for him.