Offensive coordinator pushes wide receiver to rise after mistake in Lions’ win against Texans.
During the Detroit Lions’ narrow victory over the Houston Texans, wide receiver Jameson Williams played an integral part, contributing key catches to extend drives and keep the offense moving forward. However, his performance wasn’t without flaws, especially after an earlier turnover he was responsible for. Ben Johnson, the Lions’ offensive coordinator, shared the reason for challenging Williams on the sideline, motivating him to step up after a critical mistake.
The Need for Williams’ Redemption
Williams’ early misstep came when a deep throw from quarterback Jared Goff was intercepted. The wide receiver had taken a poor route angle, leading directly to the turnover. Johnson was quick to notice and took the opportunity to challenge his player. As Johnson recalled, “He came to me and was like, ‘Hey was my angle right?’” Johnson didn’t sugarcoat his response: “No, it wasn’t right, it’s not what we had talked about. But the ball’s going to come to you in the fourth quarter here and we need you to make a play.”
It was a direct challenge, but Johnson’s belief in Williams was unwavering. The lesson here was clear: the game wasn’t over, and Williams still had a chance to make up for his error.
Rising to the Moment
The challenge proved to be effective, as Williams responded in a big way. In the fourth quarter, with the game on the line, he made an incredible reception, absorbing two hard hits. Johnson praised his resilience: “In the fourth quarter there, you saw the one where — I don’t know if I’ve seen him make that catch even in practice over the last two-and-a-half years.” His clutch catch under pressure was a key moment in the game, showing the growth and mental toughness Johnson had been hoping to see from his young receiver.
Confidence Builds Through Challenges
Johnson emphasized the importance of Williams’ performance, particularly given the high stakes. “Our margin for error had gone down, so he needed to make that play for us at that time and he did,” Johnson noted. This wasn’t just about one play—it was about Williams’ continuous improvement and his ability to be counted on when it mattered most.
Johnson’s confidence in Williams is on the rise, particularly in his attention to detail. “The level of confidence in him and his hands and his (attention to) detail continues to rise,” Johnson added, underscoring the significance of this development in Williams’ role on the team.
The Bigger Picture: Growth and Potential
This interaction between coach and player reflects more than just one moment in the game. It highlights Williams’ growth as a crucial part of the Lions’ offense. The challenge on the sideline wasn’t just about one mistake; it was about pushing him to become better, to rise in the face of adversity. Williams’ ability to bounce back from a mistake and deliver in high-pressure situations is a clear indication of his potential moving forward.
As the Lions continue their season, this moment could prove to be a turning point for Williams, as he gains more trust from his coaches and teammates. Johnson’s challenge was a testament to his belief in Williams’ abilities, and it’s clear that the young receiver is beginning to show the talent that could make him a key contributor in the future.
