Jameson Williams' Speed Can 'Keep Defenses Up at Night'
The Detroit Lions have an opportunity to take another step towards the NFC North title with a win Thursday against the Green Bay Packers.
Dan Campbell's team nearly squandered a win at home in Week 11, as the Chicago Bears forced four turnovers and limited the impact of Detroit's play-makers until the final moments.
Wide receiver Jameson Williams had one of Detroit's final two scores, a 32-yard touchdown. The route concept called for he and Amon-Ra St. Brown to run together, with the read being based on which receiver the cornerback took away.
It's the latest in a series of positive developments for the second-year wideout, who has been limited due to a number of factors since entering the league last year. With the way he has performed since returning from suspension, the Lions are very optimistic about the wideout's impact moving forward.
His snap count has increased in every game since his return, culminating in last week's game where he played a career-high 40 snaps.
"It was big and he is developing, you know, that's the whole point. You know, he's, he's very much a part of this offense and he's just continuing to grow and, you know, look, we use him in the run game," Campbell told hosts Stoney and Jansen on 97.1 The Ticket. "We use him on other things than just deep routes down the field, you know, we've got some screens for him, we got some intermediate. And we see a kid who just continues to work. He's having fun playing ball, he's trying to get better. His teammates are playing with him and encouraging him, and he's just growing. He's getting better."
Campbell also shed some light on the comeback as a whole, explaining the team's mindset after getting the ball down 12 with four minutes remaining. Williams' speed lent itself to the plan perfectly as the Lions were looking for a quick strike score.
That speed can be a difference maker for the Lions' offense. With it, he has the ability to stretch the field while Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta make impacts in the intermediate passing game.
"It was huge. You know, obviously, we need two scores. And preferably, you need to score above the two minute on the first one. You really need to find a way, that way you're not forced to have to kick the onside kick to get it back," Campbell explained. "And so, it was huge. I mean, we make a couple of plays, and then we get there and then, you know, he runs a heck of a route. He uses his speed, Goff finds him and he makes the play. To have the ability to be able to strike quick, with his speed over the top is, you know, that's an element that that's hard to defend. That's what keeps defenses and defensive coordinators up at night."
