The Lions’ first preseason game in 2024 is in the books. And it’s certainly a book about how dull preseason games may be, but it’s there.
Try as we might, there wasn’t much to take away from the Lions’ 14-3 loss at the Meadowlands. The box score looked similar to most preseason box scores: very little offense and a lot of Nate Sudfeld. Backup quarterback Hendon Hooker led the club in rushing – you read that right – and Jack Fox punted the ball seven times (preseason!) for over 350 yards.
There were some bright spots, though. Truly! For example, every preseason, like clockwork, some relatively unknown player appears out of nowhere, amazes fans, and earns a squad berth. If nothing else, the Lions may have discovered that player on Thursday night: undrafted free agent Isaiah Williams.
Isaiah Williams made about as good a first impression as possible
Williams, who joined the team after four years at the University of Illinois, where he was the starting quarterback for two years before transitioning to receiver, finished the game as the club’s leading receiver (four catches, 35 yards). Additionally, he added 56 yards on two kick returns. As far as silver linings in preseason openers with only three points go, Williams’ performance was good. It attracted Dan Campbell’s notice, at the very least:
While Williams’ 91 total yards did not throw a kink in the Lions’ depth chart plans, his performance was a positive indicator for the team’s wide receiver depth. The top of the pecking order is certainly established, but there’s plenty of room for him to reach the 53-man roster as WR4 or WR5 – his speed and ability to change direction are absolutely useful, and being an asset on special teams always helps.
Here’s the ‘it’s only one game’ disclaimer that must appear somewhere in every preseason piece. Many preseason stars have come and gone without making a significant impact, and Lions fans would be wise to wait a few weeks before betting big on WR3 Isaiah Williams. But if that is the case, it will be difficult to claim we didn’t see it coming.