The Detroit Lions offense did not use many of its explosive playmakers in Week 14’s loss to the Chicago Bears, as it finished with a season-low 257 yards.
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, a Pro Bowler, only caught three of his nine targets for 21 yards. Sam LaPorta, the record-breaking tight end, only caught two of his six targets for 23 yards.
However, Detroit’s deep threat, second-year wideout Jameson Williams, didn’t get many opportunities while those stars couldn’t seize theirs. He gained four yards from scrimmage with just one carry and one target.
Following that brief involvement, a query concerning Williams’ dearth of opportunities in Week 14 was posed to Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
Campbell didn’t say anything noteworthy regarding the team’s need to give Williams the ball more frequently. Williams, according to the head coach, has earned the right to be given more chances.
“We’ll continue collaborating with him. On December 11, Campbell told reporters, “He’s getting better.” He’s putting in the work and getting better, so we’ll keep trying to figure out how to involve him more.“But he’s really no different than Saint. Keep finding ways to get Saint more involved. Reynolds did some good things. Find a way to get him involved. Look, we’re going to do what’s best for us, and ask our guys to do things that they do well. So absolutely, he’s earned that, so we’re going to keep working at it.”
It’s crucial to temper your criticism of the Lions for not including Williams in Week 14. Despite not having more than two touches in any game this season, the 22-year-old receiver is still a member of one of the NFL’s top offenses as the Lions sit at 9-4.
Nevertheless, Williams’ situation had been improving before Week 14. However, the Bears game was a loss.
Despite not having many targets, Williams improved every week between Weeks 8 and 12 in terms of yards from scrimmage. Although Williams only had one reception for eleven yards in Week 13, he ran for a 19-yard touchdown.
Williams has also seen a steady increase in playing time. In each of the past five games, he has participated in at least 52% of Detroit’s offensive snaps.
Williams had just one touch and one target on December 10 against the Bears, despite still seeing action. For the first time since Week 7, he did not have a single reception.
