The Detroit Lions have some major expectations heading into the 2024 season. They were able to get off on the right foot with a 26-20 overtime victory on Sunday Night Football over the Los Angeles Rams.
It was a very encouraging performance in a number of ways for the Lions. Matthew Stafford picked the secondary apart for 317 yards, but they did force an interception in the red zone that was a big momentum changer.
If they can find success more consistently on defense, and more specifically the secondary, this team will take off.
Offensively, the team was able to overcome a so-so game from Jared Goff. He completed 18-of-28 passes for 217 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
In the overtime period, the team relied heavily on the ground game, which David Montgomery led. He had 17 carries for 91 yards and the game-winning touchdown. Jahmyr Gibbs added 11 rushes for 40 yards of his own.
But, the biggest takeaway from Week 1 is the emergence of Jameson Williams. A first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Alabama, the start to his professional career has been unorthodox.
But, he announced his presence against the Rams with five receptions for 121 yards, including a 52-yard touchdown. It is a performance that Eric Woodyard of ESPN is buying into.
“After an awkward start to his NFL career, interrupted by an ACL injury and a gambling suspension in his first two years, Williams looks poised for a breakout season. It showed against the Rams. Williams caught a 52-yard touchdown in the third quarter — the longest TD catch of his career — and finished with 100-plus receiving yards in a game for the first time. He displayed why he is expected to be a big part of the offense this season,” Woodyard wrote.
The big game from Williams could not have come at a better time as Amon-Ra St. Brown was held in check by Los Angeles, catching only three passes for 13 yards.
The Detroit Lions made a bold decision this offseason not to actively seek a replacement for Josh Reynolds, who departed in free agency. They were confident that the Alabama product could get the job done and through one game, he has rewarded the team for that confidence.
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