The Detroit Lions had their typical third quarter doldrums on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, though those doldrums arguably started after jumping out to a 21-0 lead in midway through the first quarter. Somebody needed to make a play, and safety Tracy Walker recovered a Derek Carr fumble to set the offense up in Saints' territory.
Then, two plays later, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson dipped into his bag of tricks.
Jamo out of a CANNON!#DETvsNO 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/dPnUZYYOvL
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 3, 2023
A fake to David Montgomery, then an end around to Kalif Raymond that became a reverse to Williams. A fantastic play call in a critical spot, great execution by the players and a superb finish by Williams. He leaped from the 4-yard line to the end zone in Superman-fashion to finish a 19-yard scoring run.
Getting the ball in Williams' hands is always good idea. If it isn't targets in the passing game, as seem to be coming based on the progress he is making, then let it be a reverse here and there. And lately, since the bye week, he's been producing clutch plays for the Lions' offense when called upon. This one stretched the Lions' lead beyond one score to 33-21 when the Saints had snatched the momentum since the start of the second quarter.
Williams' speed is what got him taken 12th overall by the Lions in the 2022 draft, despite having suffered a torn ACL in his final college game. It's why he would have been a first-round pick, even with that injury and if the Lions had passed on him at No. 12. Through injuries, being eased in and some struggles, it hasn't been seen quite enought to this point.
Sunday's game was an important one for the Lions, and after blowing most of a big early lead it was becoming iffy if they'd beat the Saints. Then Williams was called upon via a trick play, and he delivered in a way only he can.