The Detroit Lions came into the 2025 season with major questions along their defensive line. Without Pro Bowler Alim McNeill in the middle, many wondered if the team had enough to win at the point of attack.
After Week 1, that was open for debate. Week 2 provided a different more encouraging answer. The Lions dominated the Chicago Bears, and that outcome was born in the trenches with toughness and physicality on both sides of the ball.
Defensively, Detroit managed to make life difficult for Caleb Williams, sacking him four times, forcing one interception and pressuring him multiple others. They forced him into bad decisions and stifled him from making big plays to keep his team in the game.
One of the unsung heroes in this effort was rookie defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. After just two weeks in the NFL, Williams is adjusting well to the league. While he didn't register a tackle or sack in the game, he did notch a pair of huge tipped passes, one of which helped the Lions come away with a key fourth-down stop.
Afterwards, Williams was very excited to share the news of his first win on social media, posting a tribute to the game and his Detroit teammates.
FIRST NFL WIN ! 🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/pDGG9Q2rWK
— Tyleik Williams € (@tyleikk) September 14, 2025
With the timetable for McNeill's return still unknown, Williams has been a breath of fresh air up front partnering with DJ Reader. There hasn't been a colossal drop off in line play even as Williams has been learning the ropes in the league. That has been a huge plus for the defense, and the Detroit coaching staff has taken note.
Dan Campbell praises Williams' impact and growth in Lions' defense
While Williams isn't racking up major statistics early on, his impact has still been felt in a big way. He has adjusted quickly to the league, and has been able to clog the middle of the line to help limit opposing rushing attacks. His smarts to use his hands to bat passes is also something that has been impressive according to Campbell, especially after last week.
"He had a couple of critical plays where he knocked those balls down. He's got a knack for that a little bit. He just continues to get better in the run game, taking on some of these double teams and then clearing these blocks and making plays. I see a player who's continuing to get better. But those two knockdowns were big, especially (on) fourth-down. Obviously, that was big for us."
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Williams is only going to get better the more he sees and experiences in the league. The fact that he has enjoyed such a solid debut is encouraging for the long haul, He may not be a statistical maven, but he's the kind of player who can make a huge impact for Detroit's entire defense. The Lions will need him badly against the power attack of the Baltimore Ravens.
Already, Williams is adjusting well to the NFL, and has looked impressive as a first-round pick. That's been a huge development for the Lions, who need his physicality and smarts to continue to carry the defensive middle for the next few months.