Lions’ Jared Goff calls Jameson Williams ‘as good as they get’ after duo’s off day
ALLEN PARK -- Jared Goff and Jameson Williams had an off day against the Cleveland Browns this past Sunday.
Williams caught a 13-yard pass on the first play from scrimmage. But the duo failed to connect on their next six targets. There was bad timing, a couple drops and missed chances stalling their day. Williams caught his first and last targets, finishing with 40 yards against the Browns.
The Detroit Lions won 34-10. And nobody, from Goff, Williams or coach Dan Campbell, is sweating the connection between the receiver and quarterback despite the showing.
Shortly after the win, Goff made it clear that he’d like to throw to Williams as much as possible. The Lions quarterback also took some of the blame, calling Williams “as good of a player as there is in this league.
“He was open on some of them. He was covered on some of them,” Goff said. “I made a really poor decision on the interception that had nothing to do with getting him the ball. I saw it poorly and got pretty reckless there -- one I’d like back.
“I thought Jamo did fine. He had a couple drops there. He’s so steady-eddy throughout the week now. I’ve got no reservations with him at all. He’s as good as they get in our league. He can score from anywhere and going to keep believing in him no matter what ... I know he really had the one drop, but I did miss him on quite a few.”
The 24-year-old receiver has caught 10 passes on 20 targets for 214 yards and one touchdown through four games. Williams was credited with two drops, his first two of the season, against Cleveland.
One of those drops was an ugly one and just outside the red zone in the fourth quarter. The other came on a dime of a deep shot from Goff, with Williams recovering to track the ball well, but unable to secure the ball.
The speedy receiver caught his first target of the game for 13 yards. Williams flashed some of the body control the Lions have been talking about. He sold the downfield route, then hit the brakes for the hitch to beat Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II.
On his second, Goff was under pressure and took a hit in the pocket with Williams splitting the safeties. The third target was the deep shot that bounced off the receiver’s hands in the second quarter.
Goff again went deep for Williams on the fourth target before halftime. But Williams was tightly covered down the seam, and it wasn’t close.
The quarterback owned the interception, which came on Williams’ fifth look. Goff hurried with the pressure coming, and took a risk that bit him.
With the Lions up 20-10 on third-and-4 in the third quarter, Goff went back to Williams. But he needed a little more time in the pocket to hit the receiver in stride.
The one target that won’t show up in the box score came on a free play. Goff felt Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett coming when he jumped offside. He quickly let one rip for Williams down the seam. But the timing of the throw and Williams’ eyes were off on the potential big free play.
The ugliest play by the wideout came on the first play of the fourth quarter. Goff dropped another dime over the defense on third-and-2, and Williams had enough of a window via the upfield crosser. However, he dropped the ball, and the Lions turned it over on downs on the next snap.
Williams secured a 27-yard catch over the middle on the next series to end on the day on a better note.
It was just one of those days. Williams can be a boom-or-bust receiver. Still, the Lions are happy to ride the wave, because they know better days are coming. They recently signed him to a three-year, $83 million extension for a reason.
Lions coach Dan Campbell agreed that some of the missed chances were on both. He said Williams’ eyes could have been there sooner, and Goff missed on one, and “we were just a little bit off.”
“... We go back to the drawing board. And I hate to make excuses, but some of these we really wanted to push the ball down the field,” Campbell said on Monday. “And we weren’t able to practice on Wednesday, it was more walkthrough, so then you’re trying to grab some reps on Thursday ... Sometimes it’s a reminder for me, it’s like, man, we may need to just -- let’s make sure that either we try to find a way to get some reps to where we get a good flow on Wednesday, or maybe we don’t put some things in, and that’s fine.
“But there’s been enough work and there’s going to be more work, and those guys are going to be fine. Jamo’s going to be fine, Goff is a stud, so we’ll be good.”
Mike Macdonald: ‘I’m Not Here to Follow the Script, I’m Here to Rewrite It — We’re Ready to Challenge Anyone, Starting with the Rams’
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is making it clear — he’s not here to play by the rules, he’s here to break them. In a bold statement ahead of the highly anticipated Week 11 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, Macdonald addressed the critics who doubted his decision to take over the play-calling duties.
Macdonald’s confidence is undeniable, and it’s clear that the pressure to succeed has only fueled his determination. With the Seahawks sitting at 7-2 and battling for the NFC West title, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Rams are a formidable opponent, but Macdonald is ready to prove that his decision to take control of the offense was the right one. This game is not just about securing a win; it’s about making a statement and challenging the narrative that’s been built around his ability to lead.
A New Era for the Seahawks Offense
When Macdonald took over as the Seahawks’ head coach, there was immediate attention on the changes he would bring to the team. One of the most significant moves was his decision to take on the responsibility of calling the offensive plays. Critics questioned whether this was the right move, given the offensive struggles the team had faced in previous seasons. But Macdonald’s response has been unwavering.
“I’m not here to follow the script,” he said with conviction. “I’m here to rewrite it. We’ve got a talented group, and I’m confident in our ability to execute. The offense will run how I see it, and we’re going to challenge anyone who thinks otherwise.”
Macdonald’s willingness to make bold decisions has energized the team, and his leadership is beginning to show results. With the addition of quarterback Sam Darnold and a revamped offensive line, the Seahawks are finding their rhythm. Macdonald’s aggressive approach is paying off, and the offense is looking more explosive with each passing week.
Challenging the Rams and the League
The Rams are known for their tough defense, led by stars like Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. But Macdonald is unfazed by their reputation. “We’re ready to challenge anyone, and we’re starting with the Rams,” he declared. “They’ve got a great defense, but we’ve got the tools to beat them. Our offense is built to take advantage of mismatches, and we’re going to do just that.”
Macdonald’s strategy is clear — attack and execute. He’s not intimidated by the Rams’ defensive prowess, and he’s instilling that same confidence in his players. The Seahawks are determined to take control of the game, dictate the pace, and show the league that they are a team to be reckoned with.
The Road Ahead
As the Seahawks head into this critical game against the Rams, Macdonald’s leadership will be key. His ability to inspire his team, execute his vision, and stay aggressive will determine whether Seattle can continue their rise to the top of the NFC West. The stakes are high, but Macdonald’s mindset is clear: “We’re ready to challenge anyone.”
With the playoff race heating up, every game counts. A victory over the Rams would not only bolster the Seahawks’ playoff hopes but also solidify Macdonald’s decision-making and leadership. He’s ready to rewrite the script and prove that he’s the right man to lead the team to success.
Conclusion: A New Legacy in the Making
Mike Macdonald’s refusal to follow the script is more than just a coaching philosophy — it’s a mindset that could define the future of the Seahawks. With a determined approach, a strong offense, and a fearless attitude, the team is ready to take on anyone, starting with the Rams. Macdonald’s bold leadership has given the Seahawks new life, and the rest of the NFL is watching closely to see how far this new approach will take them.
