Overview
- In the season opener Williams was targeted nine times, finished with four catches for 45 yards, and left several catchable passes incomplete according to multiple reports.
- Stat trackers disagree on the exact number of drops, but several outlets and commentators counted roughly three notable missed catches that shifted momentum late in the game.
- Williams redeemed part of the day by hauling in a 22-yard sideline catch in overtime that set up Detroit’s game-winning touchdown in a 31-30 win over the Saints.
- Quarterback Jared Goff publicly defended Williams after the game and said he accepted some responsibility for the errant throws, and coach Dan Campbell said he is not concerned about the receiver.
- The quick turnaround to a Thursday night road game in Buffalo is now framed as an immediate test of whether Williams' opener was an outlier, with his drop history and the team’s reliance on him both in view.