As the Detroit Lions prepare for the second half of the 2025 season, one recurring topic of discussion has been how to better utilize wide receiver Jameson Williams. With the team sitting in a strong position heading into Week 9, analysts believe that unlocking Williams’ unique skill set could push the offense to another level.
- The Lions’ Biggest Area for Improvement
Christian Booher believes Detroit’s biggest focus should be finding more consistency on both sides of the ball. He credits defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard for his strong leadership but points out the defense still needs to start games faster to avoid early deficits. On offense, Booher would like to see the Lions diversify their approach by finding more creative ways to involve Jameson Williams and managing touches more evenly between Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. A balanced attack, he says, could prevent fatigue and make the unit more dynamic.
Vito Chirco adds that Detroit must tighten up its pass defense. With several key defensive backs — Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Avonte Maddox, and D.J. Reed — expected to return soon, the secondary could see a noticeable boost. Offensively, Chirco emphasizes that increasing Williams’ role in the passing game could make the Lions’ attack nearly unstoppable.
- Key Players to Watch for a Second-Half Return
For Booher, the anticipated return of D.J. Reed stands out. Before his injury, Reed was a reliable contributor and brought veteran stability to the defense. While Detroit managed to hold things together against the Buccaneers, Booher notes that Reed’s presence will be crucial as the season progresses.
Chirco is also looking forward to the returns of Marcus Davenport and Malcolm Rodriguez. Both have dealt with injury issues, but when healthy, they can be vital contributors to Sheppard’s defense — especially Davenport, whose pass-rushing ability could provide much-needed depth up front.
- Expanding Jameson Williams’ Role
When it comes to maximizing Jameson Williams’ impact, Booher suggests incorporating him more creatively — perhaps through reverses, jet sweeps, or intermediate routes that place him in front of safeties and allow him to use his speed to make plays after the catch. Even when Williams isn’t getting the ball, his speed forces defenses to respect the deep threat, opening opportunities for teammates.
Chirco envisions a more aggressive approach. He expects offensive coordinator John Morton to make a deliberate effort to get Williams involved early in games, especially on play-action passes where his blazing speed can stretch the field. Although the young receiver hasn’t put up huge numbers yet, his athleticism and explosiveness give Detroit another game-changing dimension when used effectively.
- Evaluating the Offensive Line
Booher views the offensive line as a unit that’s still developing. Rookies Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany have been thrown into major roles and are learning quickly. He believes the group will hit its stride before the postseason if they continue progressing.
Chirco shares mild concern — not about performance, but about Taylor Decker’s durability. The veteran tackle has been banged up, and a significant injury could be devastating for the Lions’ playoff hopes. Still, if Ratledge and Mahogany continue to improve, Chirco feels the line can hold up well enough to keep the offense operating efficiently.
- Early Thoughts on the Vikings Matchup
Booher finds the upcoming Week 9 clash with Minnesota fascinating, especially with J.J. McCarthy potentially returning from injury. While McCarthy has shown flashes of promise, Booher points out that Detroit holds the edge in the trenches. If Jared Goff can dissect Brian Flores’ defensive schemes as he has in the past, the Lions could be in for another productive outing.
Chirco echoes the sentiment, predicting that Aidan Hutchinson and the defensive front will make life difficult for McCarthy. He doesn’t believe the young quarterback is ready for Detroit’s pressure-heavy scheme. Coming off a bye week, Chirco expects the Lions to be energized and ready to dominate their NFC North rivals.
Final Takeaway
The consensus among analysts is clear — the Lions are already one of the NFC’s top teams, but they can reach another level by maximizing Jameson Williams’ involvement. Whether through creative play designs, early-game targets, or deep shots, getting the speedy wideout more touches could be the key to making Detroit’s offense truly unstoppable in the second half of the season.
