If you would have told me that Jamaal Williams would be the Detroit Lions‘ leading rusher through their first eight games, I would have told you that D'Andre Swift was probably injured. If you would have told me before the season that Williams was on pace for 1,000 yards rushing through eight games, I would have called you crazy. Well, Swift is hurt, and Williams, who is in this sixth season in the NFL and his second season with the Lions, has seized the opportunity.
What did Jamaal Williams say about making his opportunity count with the Detroit Lions?
On Thursday, Williams spoke to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, and he talked about how his making the absolute most of his opportunity with the Lions in 2022.
“I think it’s more of just dedication, just working hard and not psyching yourself out mentally of seeing like it could be, your sixth year could be your best year,” Williams told the Free Press on Thursday. “A lot of us want it to happen right away. Trust me, I did. My first year, rookie year, I wanted 1,000. But it’s more of just staying focused on the plan, learning your role and once you get those opportunities make them count and then go from there.”
Via Dave Birkett – Detroit Free Press
Through his first eight games of the season, Williams has rushed for 545 yards and eight touchdowns, which puts him on pace for 1,158 yards and 17 touchdowns on the season.
Now, assuming Swift does get healthy and works his way back to being the starter who gets most of the touches, Williams' stats will surely take a dip.
But until Swift does get healthy, Williams is going to continue to dedicate himself to making the most of his opportunity, and that is what every player on the Lions needs to do.
