Every NFL team expects wide receivers and skill players to block. But not many execute it as well as the Detroit Lions.
That was on full display against the Baltimore Ravens this past week. Wideout Jameson Williams sprinted downfield, doing everything possible to clear the way for running back David Montgomery’s decisive touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kalif Raymond were scrapping on Montgomery’s 72-yard score, taking on linebackers without hesitation. On Detroit’s first touchdown, St. Brown shifted in motion to help pave the way for running back Jahmyr Gibbs in short-yardage.
Raymond later told 97.1 The Ticket that after rewatching the film, he messaged St. Brown: “You maniac, that’s a linebacker!”
According to Pro Football Focus, Raymond, St. Brown, and Williams all rank in the top 20 among receivers in run blocking. Detroit is the lone team with three wideouts in the top 40, proving their effort stands apart.
Lions coach Dan Campbell called Williams’ work on Montgomery’s 31-yard fourth-quarter touchdown “unbelievable.”
“That’s what every receiver in that room does, they set the standard,” Campbell said. “They’re a vital part of the run game, and they embrace it. They take pride in it. I thought he (Williams) blocked the entire game, I thought he competed. To go up two scores, he was crucial in that, man, sealing the edge for David. I thought his blocking was outstanding.”
Detroit’s “No block, no rock” philosophy continues to resonate.
Offensive coordinator John Morton, in his first year with the team, said it’s the best wideout blocking he’s experienced in nearly three decades of coaching.
“The way (receivers/assistant head coach) Scottie (Montgomery) has these guys playing, I don’t think many teams match it — the Rams, when Cooper Kupp and others were there, they had a similar mentality,” Morton said. “They battle, they take pride in it. I always told wideouts, when the line, tight ends, and backs are blocking for us, when it’s our turn, we owe it back to them.
“That’s what makes this roster special. It’s built on team-first football. Nobody cares about targets or stats. It’s about victories. And when we do that, man, we’re tough to beat.”
Scottie Montgomery said the film showed “the little guys” consistently making blocks downfield and showing “an incredible level of toughness.”
The receivers coach also highlighted Williams for his willingness to throw himself at anyone, anytime. Montgomery, who previously coached Steelers receivers, said Hines Ward remains the gold standard. He added what Pittsburgh demanded of Ward mirrors what Detroit now asks of St. Brown and their group.
“It’s incredible when everyone buys in, and right now, special credit to Jamo,” Montgomery said. “He opened the game really fast. The ball came his way, but adjustments followed. I’m sure the Ravens didn’t want him running wild. Usually in that spot, with a big-play receiver, you learn a lot about him the next chance he has to block. We learned plenty about his (Williams) growth and maturity. As the game went on, his blocking only improved.
