As Jamaal Williams powers Lions' run game, what's his future in Detroit? (2024)

Jamaal Williams, admittedly, isn’t very good with compliments. When you inform him that he leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns, his eyes dart around the room. When you ask him about the season he’s been able to put together, you can tell he has some discomfort talking about himself and his individual success. You can see him internalizing his thoughts, looking for ways to defer praise and share the spotlight.

But if he keeps playing like this, Williams will have to get used to it. Because he’s earned it.

“I don’t do well when people compliment me,” Williams said Sunday, after his three touchdowns powered the Lions to a 31-18 road win over the Giants. “I really don’t know what to say. I just say thank you and keep it pushing. It never gets to my head because I know I still have a lot more to prove. I’m just trying to do my best.”

Trying is one word for it. But the production the Lions have gotten from Williams, Detroit’s power back and one of the most consistent veterans in this locker room, proves he’s succeeding in what he has set out to do.

Consider this: Through 10 games, Williams has already surpassed his career high in rushing for a season. He ranks 13th in the league with 668 rushing yards, on pace for 1,136 yards. His previous high for a season was 601 just a year ago. His 12 rushing touchdowns have almost matched his total through his first five seasons in the NFL (13). Detroit’s red-zone touchdown rate of 71.1 percent is its highest through 10 games of a season since at least 2000. Williams and his efficiency near the goal line might have something to do with that.

“He’s our horse and anytime we get down there, tight in the red zone, it feels automatic with him at times,” quarterback Jared Goff said Sunday.

“I’m grateful for these because it’s not just me,” Williams said, deflecting praise again. “This goes for the linemen too. My touchdowns are their touchdowns. Everybody who blocks for me does everything. It’s just a team thing. I’m just grateful. All of these touchdowns are our touchdowns. It’s not just mine.”

Hat trick for @jswaggdaddy❗️#DETvsNYG | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/hGgZRzLuKd

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 20, 2022

If you’ve ever wondered why Williams is here, it’s because of moments like this. On the road, facing a 7-2 Giants team near the top of the NFC standings, Williams punched in not one, not two, but three touchdowns. When the Lions get inside the 5, opponents know what’s coming. They still haven’t been able to stop it.

Williams is not one to take credit or hype himself up, but when you get him talking about this team and what it means to him, you start to understand why people gravitate to him. Lions fans will remember his passionate “Hard Knocks” speech, in which he huddled up his teammates after a long practice and let them know it would pay off down the road if they kept pushing. During those dog days, he couldn’t help but think back to last year’s 3-13-1 season and how it made him feel. How he never wanted to experience that again. How this team was good enough to surpass that and then some.

He’s the guy in that locker room who puts everything into perspective. Those words are only strengthened by on-field production.

So, then, what’s the story behind Williams’ sudden rise? A lot of it is simply availability. The Lions’ offensive line is every running back’s dream, paving the way for a top-10 rushing offense. It helps that Williams has not missed a game this season. After beginning the year as D’Andre Swift’s backup, Williams stepped into the starting lineup when Swift was sidelined with lingering ankle and shoulder injuries. He’s not the fastest or most dynamic back, but he’s been remarkably consistent when given touches, rushing for at least 53 yards in nine of his 10 games. He possesses a sturdy frame capable of taking a beating in short-area situations and has more than enough power to finish runs and fall forward. That tends to come in handy near the goal line.

Williams’ success makes for an interesting discussion. Swift has since returned to game action, and yet, if you didn’t know any better, you might think Williams was Detroit’s lead back. Since the Miami game in Week 8, Williams has received 70 total touches compared to Swift’s 30. It’s fair to wonder how much of the Lions’ current timeshare at running back has to do with Swift integrating back into the lineup, versus Williams taking the job with his consistency and durability.

We already know he’s one of the most beloved players and best leaders in this locker room. Factor in his production, and he just might be this team’s RB1.

“His production speaks for itself and everything that you see and know about him is exactly who he is,” coach Dan Campbell said Sunday. “He’s all heart. He’s emotion, he’s heart and he just is a steady, productive, hard-running, hard-working, smart football player. … If you just listed your most consistent players, most dependable, consistent players, he would definitely be at the top of that list.”

No matter his role going forward, it’s clear Williams has proven to be an invaluable piece of the puzzle this season. In a lot of ways, he embodies what Campbell is all about. He runs hard, he’s physical, he rarely makes mistakes and is about as dependable as it gets. Every team could use a back like Williams. That makes this offseason an intriguing one.

Williams is a free agent at the end of the season. By all accounts, he loves being in Detroit. But he’ll be due for a raise — especially if he tops 1,000 yards in addition to his double-digit touchdowns, as he’s currently on pace to do. That could even get him a Pro Bowl nod, something Williams hasn’t been shy about wanting.

As one of the most reliable goal-to-go backs in the NFL, Williams is certain to have a market, and the fact that he’s viewed as a strong locker-room presence is another thing going for him. Though he’ll be 28 at the start of next season, he doesn’t have the wear and tear of other backs entering their seventh seasons since he’s been a backup for much of his career. Given Swift’s injury history, the Lions would be wise to try to keep Williams in Detroit. Especially as this young team continues to grow.

He’s the tone-setter. These Lions, slowly but surely, are starting to learn how to win. Williams is just happy to be a part of it.

“Really, I feel like I’m just doing my job,” Williams said. “I just want to come here and do my job at the best, highest level possible and keep influencing people with my play. … I’m proud of myself for the way I’ve been working to get the accolades, but at the same time, the job is not done. I really just want to see my team win. Whatever we can do to get the W.”

(Photo: Dustin Satloff / Getty Images)

Colton Pouncy is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Detroit Lions. He previously covered Michigan State football and basketball for the company, and covered sports for The Tennessean in Nashville prior to joining The Athletic. Follow Colton on Twitter @colton_pouncy