Unprompted, Dan Campbell highlighted the effort Detroit Lions WR Jameson Williams is putting in away from the spotlight.
On Sunday, Lions receiver Jameson Williams opened the game with a 1-yard run on a handoff. Moments later, he hauled in a 9-yard reception. Those would be his only two touches in the entire matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. After that, he didn’t record another target for the rest of the contest.
Still, despite limited stats, Williams earned a spot on coach Dan Campbell’s list of top performers during Monday’s press conference. When Campbell mentioned Williams, he paused to explain exactly why.
“Jamo, he didn’t have all these catches or targets, but, man, his blocking was excellent in the run game,” Campbell said. “He was physical all day, getting after it. He found another way to help the offense and help us produce.”
It’s been a fairly quiet start to the season for Williams. Over the last three games, he’s totaled just five receptions for 92 yards. On the year, he sits 48th in the league with 223 receiving yards. That has led some to question Detroit’s decision to give him a three-year, $80 million extension just a month ago.
According to Campbell, part of Williams’ reduced numbers comes from how defenses are scheming to prevent him from stretching the field.
“He draws a lot of defensive attention when he’s out there. Teams don’t want him getting behind them. So a lot of times they’re playing deep or keeping a shell over the top,” Campbell said.
That, in turn, opens up opportunities underneath.
Although the Bengals contained Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown (eight receptions, 100 yards) and Sam LaPorta (five receptions, 92 yards, TD) feasted across the middle of the field on Sunday.
Many wideouts would be frustrated with such limited involvement. We’ve often seen star receivers voice complaints—either privately or publicly—when targets are scarce. But that’s not Williams’ approach.
“I can’t be out there pouting during the game, because the ball could come my way and I wouldn’t be ready,” Williams said recently when asked about his focus on blocking despite limited touches. “I just keep a clear mind when I’m playing. I’m not worried about targets, I’m focused on winning.”
That mindset is exactly what continues to impress Campbell about the young wideout.
“It’s not easy. You’re a receiver—you think the best way to help is by getting targets. But he found other ways, and he didn’t let it bother him,” Campbell said. “He helped other guys downfield, he helped our runners, and he did it well. He showed up big. He was physical in the run game. He’s a team-first guy, and we love that about him.”
