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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Cole Thompson

Texans ready for challenge of guarding Lions speedy receiver

What makes Jameson Williams perhaps the most dangerous man with a football in his hands?

Yes, speed is the attribute that most bring up in conversation when asked about how to defend the speedy Detroit Lions receiver, but that’s only an equation of what makes him special.

According to Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans, versatility defines the skills that transform him into a home run threat.

“He’s their explosive playmaker when it comes to the down-the-field throws, but also in the – whether it’s the run game as well, they’ll find a way to get him the ball on a reverse or a jet sweep,” Ryans said Wednesday. “And you talk about turning on the jets, this kid can fly. He can make plays and he’s another guy who we have to tackle, tackle well. He does a good job of running physical.”

Detriot (7-1) has managed to keep its winning streak alive while Williams missed two games because of a suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy.

In his third season since joining Detroit out of Alabama, Williams has been on pace for a career season, hauling in 17 passes for 361 yards and three touchdowns. He also has four rushing attempts for 34 yards.

“He’s a smaller player, but he runs the ball really physical,” Ryans said. “So, I know they’re excited to get him back because of the playmaking ability that he has.”

Lions coach Dan Campbell said Williams would be “good to go” Sunday and plans on having him be an integral part of the offensive design opposite Amon-Ra St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta.

“We’re going to kick him out there with the offense and get him going, man. I expect him to be ready to roll,” Campbell told reporters in Detroit.

The Lions’ flexibility on offense opens a crater of issues for Houston if it can’t tackle. Over the last two games without the vertical threat, Detroit scored 76 points on less than 500 yards of offense.

That doesn’t mean Williams won’t command attention. He deserves more attention in man coverage than most because of his positional flexibility.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.

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