**4\. Williams poised for huge season**
We all know how good Williams is as a deep threat. He averaged 17.3 yards per reception last season — second most in the NFL — and had five receptions of 50-plus yards. We can count on one hand the players in this league as fast as Williams.
We saw some of those deep connections in OTA practices, but what impressed me more was Williams' playmaking in the short and intermediate parts of the field. His ability to put his foot in the ground and create space on a comebacker. His ability to navigate the middle of the field on short crossers to create space. Heading into his fourth season, Williams looks to be the whole package at wide receiver, and that could have huge implications for the Lions' offense.
**5\. Embracing the schedule**
The Lions could be a better football team in 2025 than they were in 2024 and not win as many games. That's just the reality of having the second hardest schedule in football this season based on opponent win percentage.
It's a gauntlet with road games in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Kansas City, Washington, Cincinnati and Los Angeles (Rams) in addition to two games apiece with Minnesota, Green Bay and a Chicago team that could be much improved in 2025.
All the players I talked to over the last couple weeks love it. Especially the five primetime games and the 11 nationally televised games. The schedule is what it is, and players and coaches really seem to be embracing it and using it as a way to get themselves better prepared for playoff football, where they've made a playoff exit in the NFC Championship and the Divisional Round the last two seasons.
"I'm not worried about the schedule," Campbell said. "I think it's perfect. I think it lines up perfect. I think it's going to be what's best for us with where we're at going into 2025. My fifth year here, the core of this team's fifth year. I really think it's exactly what we're going to need. The timing is perfect.
"I mean, to me, by the end of the year, we ought to be just scarred up, you know. We should be scarred up, and ready to go, hardened for battle, and ready for the playoffs."