Given their rapid ascent, the Detroit Lions have very few x-factors remaining on the roster. Wide receiver Jameson Williams seems to be one though.
Williams is always a threat to take a pass to the end zone or make a play that can break open a game. But he has taken great steps in maturity this year, and entering the playoffs it seems another corner has been turned.
At times, Williams hasn't seemed all that comfortable with the media. On Wednesday that changed, as Williams showed a keen awareness of where the Lions are at and offered perhaps the best explanation of Detroit's motivation.
"I think people tend to forget where we came from. Last year, we were lucky enough to have a home game too. This year, people just forget that we came from so far underneath and they just think everything's been easy. Everybody's got the same mindset. We don't look at it like we're the No. 1 seed (or) we're the best team. We still go out and practice and play like we're nothing. We're still trying to go out there and get a win and we're still trying to go out there and play hard for our brother that's next to us. I feel like people tend to use this season to forget, (but) we've still got that grit in us and it's the playoffs. You've got to go out there and get a win or you're going to be on the couch."
Clearly, Williams understands the high stakes of the postseason, and his insightful response shows he has been thinking about games yet to come properly. The Lions remain hungry in spite of a record setting regular season, and Williams himself is eying the biggest goal.
Jameson Williams focused on winning a title instead of stats
This season, Williams hit a major statistical goal, passing the 1,000 yard receiving mark. That, combined with seven touchdowns, represented new career highs. Williams showed he can impact the game in a bigger way, and yet he is more interested in what's to come instead of what already happened.
"It meant a lot (to get 1,000 yards), shout-out to my coaches for forcing that on me. I appreciate them a lot for that. It was huge to me and my people and my goals, but I'm past that though. We got three games left. I'm trying to focus up on trying to get something on my finger."
Often, wide receivers earn the reputation of divas. It's clear that Williams has none of that as he gets set to take on the playoffs. His goals are firmly aligned with the rest of his teammates, and he's thinking with a championship mindset. That could lead him to some big performances.