Jameson Williams Playing Current Drama Perfectly After Lions' Bye
During the Detroit Lions' bye week, one of the main topics of conversation has been Jameson Williams' lack of involvement in the offense. The talented wide receiver has not been a big part of the offense to start the season and is currently on pace for 702 yards and four touchdowns for the season. In Detroit's last game before the bye, he finished with zero catches on only two targets.
Normally, a player of Williams' caliber would make a big deal about his situation, especially after securing a three-year, $83 million extension over the offseason. Immediately following his breakout campaign in 2024, getting minimized like this would upset any 24-year-old starter. Williams, on the other hand, has been playing it perfectly.
Williams Succeeds in Putting Lack of Touches at Center During Bye Week
After the Lions' win over the Bucs, when he was a complete non-factor, Williams posted a series of eyebrow-raising stories on his Instagram, implying his frustration about not getting the ball all game. He got the team's attention, but didn't go any further. This resulted in offensive coordinator John Morton taking responsibility for Williams' lack of involvement, saying that Morton has "failed him."
Williams responded appreciatively, saying that it meant a lot to him that Morton acknowledged the situation, per MLive's Ben Raven. He also denied being mad or frustrated, adding that he will continue playing the right way and doing the right things, and the offense will sort itself out.
Compare this to other star receivers around the league, like AJ Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Lions fans should be grateful that Williams is not making a bigger deal out of this. This should also benefit him when the Lions take on the Vikings in Week 9.
The way Williams handled it could prove to be the most beneficial for him, as Morton will almost certainly try to get him more touches moving forward. Williams made his voice heard without being too much of a distraction, alienating his teammates, or upsetting the coaching staff.
The best way the Lions can utilize Williams more effectively is by adding more diversity in his targets. Williams' average depth of target went up from 11.2 yards last season to 17 this season, suggesting that he has been pigeonholed as merely a deep threat. Ben Johnson was doing a better job getting him the ball through quick throws, and Morton needs to take something from that playbook.
Jalen Ramsey’s Behavior ‘Drain on Team Morale,’ Key Factor in Dolphins-Steelers Trade
The Miami Dolphins could have potentially clinched a playoff berth for a third consecutive year if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa did not miss time with another concussion during the 2024-25 campaign. Even so, it was difficult for fans to err on the side of optimism heading into the offseason. The signs were present that a full-blown implosion could be coming, something the organization has tried to prevent in recent months. Trading star cornerback Jalen Ramsey was apparently part of that process.
The three-time All-Pro was no longer on great terms with the Dolphins, resulting in a blockbuster trade that saw him, Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick head to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-rounder. Fans already knew there was tension brewing, but more information is coming out regarding Ramsey’s last season in Miami. And it does not paint the Super Bowl 56 champion in a positive light.
“Ramsey’s behavior, meanwhile, became a drain on team morale, according to multiple sources, including current and former players, who said his actions varied from being late to team activities to outright leaving practice,” ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques writes.
Can Dolphins find a path forward?
There are always two sides to a story, but this report obviously reflects poorly on the polarizing CB. It is also not the first time his attitude has been under the microscope. Jacksonville Jaguars fans have their own gripes with the man. Ramsey, along with the highly volatile Tyreek Hill, both stirred controversy last season. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is said to be changing the lenient approach he took with both of those decorated talents in the past.
He cannot discipline Jalen Ramsey now, however. The 30-year-old is focused on helping Pittsburgh take the next step in the AFC. He has one interception, four pass breakups and six solo tackles through two games, while also posting a 77.2 coverage grade, according to Pro Football Focus. Steelers fans desperately hope “morale” issues do not occur in the land of Black and Gold.
The Dolphins must move forward and forge a new culture. Following an 0-2 start, skepticism is higher than ever during the McDaniel era. They are currently showing life in a Thursday night face-off with the Buffalo Bills, however. Perhaps the vibes are finally changing in Miami Gardens.
