Jameson Williams has been a talking point among Detroit Lions fans and for good reason. The third-year receiver put the NFL on notice with his breakout performance in the Lions’ thrilling 26-20 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams.
Williams started Week 1 with a bang, achieving a career-best 121 receiving yards from five receptions. None of those yards were more electrifying than the 52-yard touchdown he caught from Jared Goff, which had the Ford Field crowd erupting. It wasn’t just any touchdown; it was the longest receiving TD of his career.
The celebration was undeniably deserved. “I ain’t never did this before,” Williams said with a grin during his first-ever postgame news conference, gripping the game ball tightly. That game ball, his first at any playing level, became a symbol of his hard-fought journey in the NFL after an ACL injury and a gambling suspension. Determined to never let it out of his sight, he mentioned, “I never got a game ball, not at Bama, not nowhere. I’m not even going to lie, this right here might not leave my hands. I might sleep [holding it]” (Detroit Lions).
Williams’ performance doesn’t just highlight his potential but signifies a transformative element for the Lions’ offense. According to The Ringer, Williams adds a vertical threat that has been missing. Teams that previously focused on defending the middle of the field now have to contend with Williams’ ability to stretch the defense, making the Lions’ offense even more formidable.
Head Coach Dan Campbell was full of praise but noted there’s room for growth. “He showed up. I mean, that was a big game to catch some of these and go through it. And the best part of it was he didn’t even play his best ball. There’s still so much to clean up,” Campbell said. Campbell has been bullish on Williams’ potential, recognizing the hard work he’s put in during the offseason (Sporting News).
The game’s significance wasn’t just in Williams’ performance. Running back David Montgomery’s 1-yard rushing score in overtime sealed the Lions’ first OT victory since 2016. Though Amon-Ra St. Brown had a quiet night with just three receptions, the team’s collective effort, guided by Williams’ stellar play, ensured a win (ESPN).
As the Lions prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2, they have areas to clean up. Goff, who completed 10-of-28 passes for 217 yards, acknowledged the team didn’t meet its operational standards. “Some of the operational stuff is ultimately my job and was good enough for a win but wasn’t good enough for our standard” (Sports Illustrated).
One thing is clear: Williams’ stellar start has set a high bar. If this is just the beginning, Detroit Lions fans have much to look forward to.
What other sites are saying about this topic
Lions WR Williams breaks out with 52-yard TD from Eric Woodyard, ESPN
Lions’ Dan Campbell praises Jameson Williams, says the best is yet to come from Sporting News
FOUR DOWNS: Williams earns SNF game ball with performance vs. Rams from Detroit Lions
Dan Campbell: We Made One Less Mistake from Sports Illustrated
The Winners and Losers of NFL Week 1 from The Ringer