His production has been up and down, but Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has been healthy and he's having a breakthrough third season. He entered Week 16 third in the league in yards per catch (17.8), with four 50-plus yard receptions on the season.
Williams had a small lapse in judgement early in Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears, drawing a taunting penalty as Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson hit him late out of bounds and baited him into a reaction for the second time this season.
Head coach Dan Campbell had an animated (from his end) conversation with Williams after the taunting penalty.
Early in the second quarter, with the Lions leading 13-0 as the Bears' defense continues to be stout in the red zone like they were during the first matchup on Thanksgiving Day, Jared Goff hit Williams on a 82-yard touchdown.
Jameson Williams overwhelms the Bears' secondary with his speed
It was an absolute dime from Goff, and the longest pass completion of his career. It truly looked like Williams wasn't running full speed at
.@JaredGoff16 delivering the deep dish 🎯 @bigsgjamo#DETvsCHI | 📺 FOX#ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/nPm4Gn6Az1
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 22, 2024
On the broadcast, FOX analyst Jonathan Vilma called into question whether some members of the Bears' secondary realized how fast Williams is. It seems like a ludicrous thought on the surface, but it's also fair to wonder how much the Bears are checking out right now as they just can't seem to get anything right game after game.
Inside Edge also had some data that was predictive of a big play or two for Williams on Sunday.
"Jameson Williams (DET) has gained 20+ yards on 33.3% of receptions this season -- T-best of Qualified Wide Receivers. The Bears have allowed 20+ yards on 17.9% of receptions this season -- 3rd-worst in NFL."
The best thing about Williams' touchdown might have been the shot FOX showed of Lions' wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El running down the sideline during the play.
We see you Coach El 👀 pic.twitter.com/f64HG6ojNj
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 22, 2024
The 82-yarder is obviously the longest reception of Williams' career. The last 82-plus yard play for the Lions came on Oct. 27, 2013, when Matthew Stafford connected with Calvin Johnson.
Good things happen when Jameson Williams touches the football. pic.twitter.com/ewJGacrbkq
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) December 22, 2024
The kind of speed Williams has is a game-changer, and it may have given the Lions a lead the Bears won't be able to completely overcome on Sunday.