The Lions' first preseason game of 2024 is in the books. And it's definitely a book about how boring preseason games can be, but it's in there.
Try as we might, there wasn't a whole lot to take away from the Lions' 14-3 loss in the Meadowlands. The box score looks a lot like most preseason box scores do: very little offense and a whole lot of Nate Sudfeld. Backup QB Hendon Hooker led the team in rushing – you read that correctly – and Jack Fox punted the ball seven times (preseason!) for almost 350 yards.
There were some bright moments though. Truly! For example: every preseason, like clockwork, some relatively-unknown guy comes out of nowhere, surprises fans, and earns a roster spot. And if nothing else, the Lions may have found that guy on Thursday night: undrafted free agent Isaiah Williams.
Isaiah Williams made about as good a first impression as possible
Williams, who signed with the team after playing four years at University of Illinois – where he was the team's starting quarterback for two years before moving to receiver – finished the game as the team's leading receiver (four catches, 35 yards). On top of that, he added 56 yards on two kick returns. As far as silver linings in preseason openers where you only score three points go, Williams' performance was a good one. It got Dan Campbell's attention, at the very least:
WR Isaiah Williams stood out to Dan Campbell along with DL Mekhi Wingo. DB Ennis Rakestraw got some really valuable reps a early on. #Lions
— Dannie (@dannierogers___) August 9, 2024
And while it's not like Williams' 91 total yards threw a wrench into the Lions' depth chart plans, his performance was an encouraging sign for the depth of their wide receiver room. The pecking order at the top is obviously set, but there's plenty of opportunity to make the 53-man roster as WR4 or WR5 – his speed and ability to change direction definitely plays, and being an asset to special teams always helps your case.
Here's the 'it's only one game' disclaimer that has to go somewhere in every preseason article. Plenty of preseason stars have come and gone without making a real impact, and Lions' fans would be wise to wait a few more weeks before going all in on WR3 Isaiah Williams. But if that ends up being the case, it'll be hard to say we didn't see it coming.