The Detroit Lions turned in an impressive defensive showing on Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, but their offense never found its rhythm.
Detroit repeatedly stalled on critical downs, converting just 3 of 13 third-down attempts and coming up empty on all five fourth-down tries.
Their only touchdown came in the first half on a 40-yard pass to Jameson Williams. After scoring, Williams chose to leap onto the goal post—a celebration the NFL explicitly bans. The move drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, backing up the ensuing extra-point attempt, which Detroit ultimately missed.
Because of that celebration, the league is expected to take disciplinary action against Williams, something it has consistently done when players incorporate the goal post in celebrations despite repeated warnings.
A similar incident happened years ago when Antonio Brown jumped onto the goal post after a touchdown, a move that resulted in an $11,576 fine. Williams has shown a tendency to imitate other players’ well-known celebrations, including those made famous by Marshawn Lynch, so Brown’s earlier stunt may have influenced him.
This also isn’t Williams’ first issue with league discipline. Past off-field problems and earlier penalties for taunting and celebrations could factor into the severity of his expected punishment.
Williams closed out the night with four catches for 88 yards and Detroit’s lone touchdown, which was one of only two total scores in the entire game.
The loss drops the Lions to 6–4, and after Week 11 they would currently sit outside the NFC playoff picture.
