Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is eagerly anticipating an even more successful 2023 season. The third-year wide receiver has high expectations for both the team and the offense, as well as the emergence of fellow wideout Jameson Williams.

Returning Coordinator, Rising Expectations

One key factor in the Lions’ anticipated success is the return of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who had attracted head coaching interest from other NFL teams. St. Brown and Johnson share a mutual excitement for the upcoming season, with both expressing their eagerness to “take that next step” together, as St. Brown told the Detroit Free Press.

When St. Brown learned Johnson would return as offensive coordinator, he reached out to express his enthusiasm.

I called him. We just talked, you know. He told me he was excited to come back. I told him I was excited that he’s coming back. We just talked about life, family, whatever it was. And that I was ready to take that next step next year.

A Buzzworthy Team on the Rise

After finishing the previous season with a 9-8 record, the Lions are now considered one of the NFL’s buzziest teams. Conversations with other players have made it clear that opponents no longer view the Lions as an easy win. The team is well aware of this shift in perception and is ready to embrace the challenge, determined to consistently deliver strong performances week after week.

High Hopes for a Top-Ranked Offense

With the return of Johnson, the Detroit Lions are striving to become the No. 1 offense in the NFL in terms of yards per game, total scoring offense, and reduced turnovers. St. Brown, quarterback Jared Goff, and the rest of the offensive unit share this ambitious goal, believing they have the talent and determination to achieve it.

A key factor in the Lions’ potential success will be the development of second-year wideout Jameson Williams. St. Brown explained:

“I can’t wait to see Jameson fully getting a whole offseason under his belt. Being able to work with all of us. I can’t wait to see what he does. I’ve seen him in practice, I know what he can do. It’s just a matter of everything just lining up.” Williams’ progress will be crucial in stretching defenses and creating opportunities for the rest of the offense.

St. Brown Ready to Break Out

Last season, St. Brown set career-highs in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns, and earned his first Pro Bowl nod. Heading into his third season, he is poised for an even bigger year. The return of a healthy Jameson Williams expects to draw attention from defenses and open up opportunities for St. Brown. The wide receiver is also looking to take on a more significant leadership role within the team, driven by a desire to lead the Lions to playoff success.

General manager Brad Holmes had originally targeted St. Brown for his natural ability to lead. Now, St. Brown is focused on embracing that role.

I just want to be more of a leader going into year three. I think I am old enough now to become a leader. We got draftees coming up, the guys from last year that played for us really well in that class. So, I’m just excited to become more of a leader and start winning games.

Playoff Dreams and a City’s Desire

St. Brown is keenly aware of Detroit’s yearning for a successful playoff run, and he shares that same hunger. He expressed a strong desire to lead the Lions to the playoffs.

I feel like Detroit as a city, they want it so bad. I feel like as a team, we want it bad. I feel like we got the guys to do it. He also emphasized the importance of confidence and commitment to winning games consistently.

With a strong roster and a growing sense of self-assurance, the Lions are looking to make their mark in 2023. They aim at fulfilling the dreams of their fans and the aspirations of the players themselves. As St. Brown put it, “We got the guys, let’s go win it.”

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For more from the author Matt Broder, check him out on Twitter here: @mattbro21

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Photo Credit: © Detroit Free Press