After a successful finish, what is next for Jameson Williams?..
The final game of the season saw Jameson Williams have his most productive outing for the Detroit Lions, which may be a positive indication for the second-year wide out.
Williams had a fantastic contested 22-yard reception, snagged a 3-yard touchdown pass, then ran for a 42-yard touchdown.
Throughout the season, Williams was a willing and competent blocker in the run game, and he made progress in several subtle but important aspects of route running.
After a crucial 3rd & 6 conversion to St. Brown late in the first half along the right sideline, veteran wide receiver Kalif Raymond said, “The out route that Ra (Amon-Ra St. Brown) caught, a big third down conversion for us, Jamo is on the outside running a clear route and you have to take your man with you or else (St. Brown) gets cleaned and we don’t convert.”
“After he returned to the sidelines, I said to him, ‘Dude, it’s just a tiny thing, but the way you ran that route, he had to respect you, and because of that, St. Brown became open.'” That kind of stuff is significant, but he also blended in with the group when I watched his blocking tape.”
What impresses coaches and teammates and indicates that Williams is on the rise are the little things that occasionally escape the notice of many football fans. The major reason the Lions selected Williams No. 12 overall two years ago was because he gets more reps and opportunities when he does the small things well.
Raymond remarked, “I was really pleased of him and all the plays that he’s had during this postseason run and the second half of the season.” Because he was putting in so much labor, nothing he did was surprising. The amount of work he put in was quite astounding.
“Dude, you have to be more careful during practicing, after practicing, and before practicing. It must be making some progress. He worked hard when no one else was around.”
Williams had 30 receptions for 433 yards (14.4 average) and three touchdowns at the end of the season. Additionally, he gained 71 yards and two scores on four rushes. Due to a ban, he missed four games and one because of an ankle injury.
From Week 10 to the end of the season, he averaged more than 42 snaps per game, solidifying his position as a key member of Detroit’s offensive line. Perhaps the biggest quality a receiver can have to offer a quarterback is consistency, and he proven to be that.
“The work he put in daily, you saw it every day in pre-practice and post-practice, all the stuff he was doing to get himself in a groove and ready,” quarterback Jared Goff said.
“Seeing his growth and how far he came, (Sunday) night with the plays he made. That one early was awesome. Had some other opportunities to get him the ball that I wish I probably would have. He’s done a really good job getting himself ready and will continue to get better.”
With Ben Johnson returning as offensive coordinator next season, the Lions have to be pretty excited about the receiving trio of St. Brown, tight end Sam LaPorta and Williams.
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