Eric WoodyardOct 30, 2025, 02:13 PM ETCloseEric Woodyard covers the Detroit Lions for ESPN. He joined ESPN in September 2019 as an NBA reporter dedicated to the Midwest region before switching to his current role in April 2021. The Flint, Mich. native is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has authored/co-authored three books: “Wasted,” “Ethan’s Talent Search” and “All In: The Kelvin Torbert Story”. He is a proud parent of one son, Ethan.Follow on X
Lions OC: ‘Failed’ to involve WR Williams enough (1:08)Lions OC: ‘Failed’ to involve WR Williams enough (1:08)
Williams was catchless for the first time all season during the Lions’ 24-9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 20 while being targeted just twice by quarterback Jared Goff. For the season, Williams has 17 receptions for 289 yards and two touchdowns but has eclipsed 45 yards in only two games while playing alongside so many offensive weapons.
“I looked at everything, as far as that. I’m going to do a better job with that. But there has been opportunities where it just didn’t happen,” said Morton, who is in his first year as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. “It’s not like we aren’t going to try to target him. So that was the biggest thing.
“So I looked at everything, and I failed him. That’s what I told him,” Morton added. “I have to do a better job with that. But it’s a two-way street. We definitely looked at that.”
Morton met with Williams privately during the Lions’ bye week and closely examined some of those missed opportunities. The coaching staff is also working to try to get Williams more open, particularly on third down, as he is now facing double-teams, alongside wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Williams refused to make a big deal of the limited touches as he’s focused on team success. Their recent conversation on the field ahead of practice this week also gives him confidence that they can move forward to get things right.
Morton has been impressed with Williams’ professionalism. The plan is to be more creative with playcalling while strengthening the connection between Williams and Goff.
“He doesn’t say anything. He just goes and plays. Like I said, ‘I wouldn’t fault you if you were pissed at me,’ because I’ve coached that position, I’ve played that position,” Morton said. “And I know he works too hard. But we’ve got to make sure that we’re going out and doing the right thing, the right techniques and this and that. It’s not just him. It’s everybody.”
In 2024, Williams surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career and signed a three-year extension worth up to $83 million in September.
The Detroit offense knows it will need Williams at his best as the Lions begin the back half of the season against tough competition.
Lions OC: ‘Failed’ to involve WR Williams enough (1:08)Lions OC: ‘Failed’ to involve WR Williams enough (1:08)
CloseEric Woodyard covers the Detroit Lions for ESPN. He joined ESPN in September 2019 as an NBA reporter dedicated to the Midwest region before switching to his current role in April 2021. The Flint, Mich. native is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has authored/co-authored three books: “Wasted,” “Ethan’s Talent Search” and “All In: The Kelvin Torbert Story”. He is a proud parent of one son, Ethan.Follow on X
“I know my time coming,” Williams said. “I know it’s coming, so I’m ready whenever it comes.”
Lions OC: ‘Failed’ to involve WR Williams enough (1:08)