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5 Detroit Lions who must play well in Week 4 vs. the Seahawks

By Brad Berreman

Sep 25, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (left) reacts with wide receiver DJ Chark (4) after scoring a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (left) reacts with wide receiver DJ Chark (4) after scoring a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

4. RB Jamaal Williams

Yes it’s obvious, but it doesn’t make it any less true. Williams has had a prominent role in the Lions’ backfield already, with at least 11 carries in all three games and four rushing touchdowns. With Swift adding a shoulder issue to a re-aggravation of his prior ankle issue last week, Williams had 20 carries for 87 yards and two touchdowns along with a couple catches for 20 yards against Minnesota.

Into a second straight season now, Detroit’s run game has been productive regardless of who’s been available. Swift is uniquely talented as a dual threat who can break a long run at any moment, but don’t dismiss Williams’ passing game chops either.

Before Week 3, Williams had not had 20 carries in a game since late in his rookie season with the Green Bay Packers in 2017. He was Pro Football Focus’ No. 1-ranked running back last week, with 55 of 87 rushing yards coming after contact.

Williams, naturally, has unwavering confidence in his ability to step up in Swift’s place (via MLive).

"Oh yeah, I love it every time. Give me the opportunity. It just shows that put me in the position, and I’m going to make sure I handle my job,” Williams said. “You ain’t gonna never worry about me doing my job or whatever my role is, so I just go get it done. I’m a bruiser. But I can do a lot more than just bruise,” Williams said. “I just know the more and more the game goes, the more I get more excited. Just because I think I see a mentality of the game is getting down (in time) and people are hurting. People are bruised. For me, I just get more excited just because I know this is more of my time coming. I feel like it’s scary, though, for defenses (when Williams gets 20 touches). Not for me. I just keep on working. I just laugh and get up and do it again. That’s all. But it’s pretty tiring for defenses.”"

Down the weapons they will be down, the ground game will be important for the Lions on Sunday. Don’t forget about Craig Reynolds in a bigger role, but Williams will lead the charge.

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