Lions’ Jamaal Williams Closing In On Barry Sanders’ Record

The Detroit Lions are certainly happy that they committed to running back Jamaal Williams during the 2021 offseason. He has been a big reason that the team has turned things around this season as the Lions have a chance to make the postseason after starting the season 1-6.

Detroit has had one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL in 2022 even when the team was losing games. They have been extremely efficient in the red zone in large part because of Williams’ presence.

Williams is the power back on the Lions’ running back depth chart. He was expected to mix into the game in some situations behind De’Andre Swift, but with Swift battling injuries throughout the season, the six-year veteran was thrust into a much larger than-anticipated role.

He has been a backup throughout his career, but this season he has carried the load normally given to starters. Williams has blown away his previous career highs across the board this season, saving the team’s rushing game with Swift ailing.

In 16 games, Jamaal Williams has carried the ball 246 times for 994 yards and a league-high 15 touchdowns. If there is a short-yardage conversion that is needed, Williams has been the guy this season and he converts more times than not.

The 15 touchdowns also put him in a position to join the Lions’ record books. Throughout the year, he has accomplished things only Barry Sanders has previously for the franchise. On Sunday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers, Williams will have a chance to break Sanders’ franchise record of 16 rushing touchdowns in a season.

Sanders set that record in 1991, which is the last time that the Lions won a playoff game as well. It would be fitting if Jamaal Williams tied or broke that record this season to help propel Detroit back into the postseason for the first time since the 2016 season.