Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed mixed feelings after Jameson Williams” impressive touchdown during a recent game against the Philadelphia Eagles. While Campbell praised the play, he had a stern message regarding Williams” celebration that drew a penalty.
In the first half, Williams showcased his skills by taking a crosser 40 yards for a touchdown, marking a pivotal moment for the Lions as they finally got on the scoreboard. This play came after a swift offensive drive that advanced 74 yards in just three plays. With 5:12 remaining in the half, the score was tied at 6-6, thanks in part to the Lions” defense, which managed to restrict the Eagles to two field goals despite the Eagles starting with advantageous field position.
However, Williams” exuberance following the touchdown led to trouble. As he celebrated, he leaped onto the goal post while holding the football, resulting in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. This infraction turned what would have been a routine extra point attempt by Jake Bates into a challenging 48-yard kick under adverse weather conditions. Bates ultimately missed the kick, leaving the score at 6-6 as the first half came to a close.
The Lions were unable to score again until late in the game when Bates successfully kicked a 54-yard field goal. By that point, the Lions were trailing 16-9, and the missed extra point loomed large on the scoreboard. When asked about the penalty after the game, Campbell stated, “Yeah, I told him that”s a hell of a play. Don”t do that again.”
The NFL has enforced a ban on using goal posts as props for celebrations since 2014, making it an automatic 15-yard penalty when players do so. Despite the setback from the penalty, Williams finished the game with four receptions for 88 yards and the critical touchdown. However, both he and Amon-Ra St. Brown struggled overall, combining for just six catches on 19 targets during a disappointing outing for the Lions” passing attack. With this loss, the Lions fell to 6-4, placing them third in the NFC North standings.
