There wasn’t much to be excited about with the Detroit Lions offense in the team’s 14-3 preseason-opening loss to the New York Giants. Resting all starters, the Lions second-team offense managed just one first down in the first six drives of the game.
The Detroit offense did perk up a bit late in the game, and one big reason for that was the play of undrafted rookie wideout Isaiah Williams. No. 83 hauled in all four passes thrown his way for 35 yards, both of which led the Lions.
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After the game, Detroit head coach Dan Campbell praised Williams’ performance in his preseason debut. In fact, Williams was the first player Campbell brought up.
“Isaiah Williams showed up,” Campbell said after the game. “I mean, he made some plays out there, and that was clear. That was clear to see. He did some really good things that showed up.”
Campbell was right in his assessment. Williams showed his skills as an undersized receiver who wins with precision and quickness. One notable catch saw Williams leap to catch a ball throw higher and behind where he expected it. The undrafted rookie from Illinois leapt to snag the ball with his back to the defense, then instantly turned the ball up the field to pick up extra yards and a first down.
Williams has not really stood out in training camp so far, making some nice plays and showing generally reliable hands but no real “wow” moments. The consistency of his performance in the preseason opener was a big step for Williams in his quest to be the man who extends the string of seasons a UDFA makes the Lions 53-man roster to 14 years.