Lions rely on St. Brown and Williams as defensive collapse tests them to the limit
Lions (MLive) — Published: December 17, 2025, 2:56 p.m. — By Benjamin Raven
In a season that has swung from win to loss in a looping pattern over their past ten contests, Detroit’s performance has been defined by inconsistency. Yet two receivers have repeatedly stepped in when the defense falters: Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. As the unit in front of them has sputtered in recent games, the pair have shouldered the scoring burden and kept the offense afloat.
There were rough moments for Williams, who went without a catch against the New York Giants. But in the three games that followed, he blossomed into a catalyst, totaling a career-high seven receptions in each of those contests, amassing 374 yards, and scoring twice. Counting the two games preceding the Giants game, Williams has logged 31 receptions, 581 receiving yards, and four touchdowns across his last six appearances.
St. Brown has also been productive, posting 25 receptions for 405 yards and three touchdowns in his last three full games, apart from a first-quarter exit at Green Bay. The two receivers combined for 27 targets against the Rams this past Sunday, with Jared Goff finding them frequently as Detroit tried to compensate for defensive gaps with sustained offense.
With LaPorta sidelined, the duo has been the focal point of the aerial attack for four straight games. Out of 69 targets directed at tight ends and wide receivers in that span, 53 went to St. Brown or Williams. The run game has struggled, delivering boom-or-bust results, which left the passing game to carry more of the load in Los Angeles.
Head coach Dan Campbell praised the duo after Sunday’s loss, saying, “I thought Goff, St. Brown, and Williams played at a very high level and gave us a chance, but we couldn’t overcome certain issues. When the run game isn’t clicking, it limits what you can do. I don’t regret one bit putting the ball in St. Brown’s and Jamo’s hands. But we must unlock the run game and do better.”
Defensively, Detroit has allowed more than 32 points per game in their past four outings. That means Goff and the top two receivers will need to keep delivering while the defense stabilizes. The absence of LaPorta and St. Brown’s Thanksgiving departure opened the door for Williams to step up as the primary WR1, a role he has seized with strong results.
Goff has thrived as these two receivers have elevated their play, earning notable recognition for navigating a season of coaching and offensive line changes. With a target-heavy approach, he should continue to feed Williams and St. Brown to sustain scoring as the defense fights to improve.
Remarkably, Williams and St. Brown became the first duo in NFL history to record seven touchdown catches apiece in back-to-back seasons. St. Brown also became the first player to reach at least 90 receptions within his first five NFL seasons, underscoring his elite status.
Pro Football Focus currently ranks Williams as the league’s second-best receiver over the recent four-game stretch, with St. Brown ranking seventh. Head coach Jared Goff commented, “Those two players are as explosive as anyone, and getting them the ball in space is the plan. For the most part, we did that well.”
With three games left, there’s still a path for the Lions to improve their receiving numbers and push for a playoff berth by winning out. Detroit’s defense, meanwhile, could still regain traction before Week 18 against the Chicago Bears. The Steelers will pose a physical challenge, but the Minnesota Vikings’ offense, led by Justin Jefferson, isn’t an unstoppable juggernaut this season.
In the near term, the offense will bear the responsibility of sustaining scoring as injuries mount in the secondary and pass rush remains inconsistent. Goff, St. Brown, and Williams will need to keep amplifying production to compensate for those gaps.
Coach Campbell remains optimistic, saying, “We’ve got the right guys, we’re a resilient team, and we have to win. We’re focused on preparing for Pittsburgh at home. They’re physical, well-coached, and still in the hunt. We have a real opportunity, and we’re going to maximize it.”
What do you think—will Detroit’s swift offensive surge be enough to overcome defense-driven hurdles and clinch a postseason bid, or is the imbalance too great? Share your thoughts below.
