“I’ve failed him": Lions OC John Morton gets brutally honest on Jameson Williams' usage

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator John Morton didn’t shy away from accountability when discussing wide receiver Jameson Williams’ reduced role in the offense. During his Thursday media session, Morton said he hasn’t done enough to maximize Williams’ impact through the team’s first seven games.

Morton stepped into the OC role this season following Ben Johnson’s move to become the Chicago Bears’ coach. Williams, the No. 12 pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, is coming off a breakout 2024 campaign and entered this year expected to be a centerpiece of Detroit’s passing attack.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Morton reflected on his approach following the Lions’ 24-9 win over Tampa Bay on Oct. 20. In this game, Williams failed to record a catch for the first time this season.

"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," Morton said.

"It's not like we ain't going to try to target him. So that was the biggest thing. So I looked at everything, and I definitely, I failed him."

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#Lions OC John Morton on Jameson Williams: “I’ve failed him — that’s what I told him… I’m like, listen, man, I’m gonna do a better job.“

Jameson Williams has made 17 receptions for 289 yards and two touchdowns this season, receiving 30 targets across seven games. This performance is far below his 2024 numbers, which were 58 catches for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns.

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Jameson Williams isn't thinking too much about his reduced role

Syndication: Detroit Free Press (Credits: IMAGN)

John Morton credited Jameson Williams for staying composed despite the statistical decline, noting the two held a productive film session during Detroit’s bye week to address adjustments.

"This guy, he's awesome. He doesn't say anything. He just goes and plays," Morton said.

"Like I said to him, 'I wouldn't fault you if you're pissed at me.'"

Despite the quiet numbers, Williams said he isn’t frustrated. He revealed that Morton approached him first to discuss the issue, but he remains focused on team success.

"He came to me and expressed to me how he felt, but with me, I really wasn't taking it too far into thinking about it," Williams said.

"We was winning games and things like that, so I can never get myself too worked up with me getting the ball or me getting targeted or things like that. I know it's gonna come. It's a long season."

QB Jared Goff said after Tuesday’s practice that the offense plans to find more ways to get Williams involved as the stretch run approaches.