When the Detroit Lions traded up in the 2022 NFL draft to take Jameson Williams out of Alabama with the No. 12 overall pick, it was probably with moments like Sunday’s opening score in the NFC Championship in mind. And with a burst of speed, Williams had Detroit leading San Francisco on the road within minutes.
After a few runs by David Montgomery and a leak out pass to Sam LaPorta moved the Lions past midfield, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson called in a fake handoff end around for Williams. As the speedy second-year receiver rounded the corner, he cut back inside a blocker and burst through the middle.
But with first down yardage gained, Williams powered ahead and pulled away from linebacker Dre Greenlaw’s grasp for the opening touchdown on a 42-yard yun.