Studs and Duds: Jameson Williams Has Key Drop, Maurice Alexander Shines

Studs and duds from Detroit's preseason-opening win over the New York Giants.

In front of more than 60,000 fans, the Detroit Lions outlasted the New York Giants in their preseason opener. 

The offense sputtered for much of the evening without a plethora of starters, but there were encouraging signs from players on both sides of the ball. 

Thanks to an impressive late-game drive culminating in a go-ahead touchdown, the Lions were able to stave off defeat and win, 21-16, Friday. 

Here are the studs and duds from the performance. 

STUD: WR Maurice Alexander

The former USFL receiver made a statement Friday. After the retirement of Justin Jackson opened up the kick return spot, Alexander laid his claim to the spot, with a 95-yard punt return score in the third quarter.

On the play, he made multiple players miss, including spinning out of two separate tackles. Once he was in the clear, he raced untouched over the final 50 yards.

95 Yards! Ran like the wind pic.twitter.com/oAbugefR7c

— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) August 12, 2023

The Lions signed Kalif Raymond to a two-year extension, so he will handle punt return duties. 

However, Alexander did good work in last year's preseason as a returner, and has earned another look returning kicks.

DUD: WR Jameson Williams

The Lions made every effort to get Williams involved in the action, but it was a largely disappointing preseason debut for the second-year pro. He had just two catches for 18 yards, on seven targets. 

One of those targets was a drop that likely would've ended with a score. On the play, he separated from Deonte Banks, and was in stride when he got his hands on the ball. However, he couldn't come down with it. 

Both of Nate Sudfeld's interceptions were in his direction, though neither were the responsibility of the receiver.

He was a presence in the run game as a blocker, but his contributions in the passing game were less than ideal. 

The wideout was able to separate on his routes at times, but Banks did a solid job staying close most times. 

The Alabama product did help the offense with a nifty one-handed grab on a two-point conversion in the third quarter. 

STUD: TE James Mitchell

Mitchell impressed with his athleticism Friday. He proved to be a significant factor in the passing game, catching all three of his targets for 53 yards. 

Much of his damage was done in open space after catching short passes, an impressive skill for the second-year pass-catcher. 

His potential was limited most of last year, but he showed Friday that he can be a legitimate threat for the offense. 

DUD: CB Will Harris

Harris had a difficult night in coverage. Working on both the boundary and in the slot at times, he was flagged twice in the first quarter. 

On the third offensive series for New York, he was called for a facemask early. Later in the series, he surrendered a third-down conversion on a crossing route to Cole Beasley. 

Harris was outperformed by rookie Brian Branch, who demonstrated a knack for open-field tackling and solid awareness in his limited snaps Friday.

STUD: OLB Julian Okwara

Considered to be on the roster bubble coming into the preseason, the younger Okwara helped himself plenty with three sacks Friday.

The second was particularly impressive, as he dipped past the offensive tackle to corral New York passer Tommy DeVito. 

His third came at a pivotal time, as he wrestled down DeVito on New York's final drive to set up a fourth-and-15. 

He was a consistent presence in the backfield, along with second-year EDGE rusher James Houston. Okwara has always been considered a flash player, so he'll need to continue with consistency throughout camp. 

His brother, Romeo, also got in on the action, with a sack in the fourth quarter. 

DUD: QB Nate Sudfeld

Sudfeld couldn't get the offense going for much of the evening, leading the team to just two field goals. He was intercepted twice, and completed 15-of-28 passes. 

His first pass was picked off, as he missed short on a pass intended for Williams. The second interception was also in the direction of Williams, but the pass sailed high and into triple coverage. 

The passer was in a pivotal spot. With presumed backup Teddy Bridgewater not in action, Friday was an opportunity for Sudfeld to prove his mettle. He simply wasn't consistent enough. 

Adrian Martinez, Sudfeld's replacement on Friday, led the game-winning drive. The undrafted rookie showed off an ability to scramble, as well as hit the open receiver. 

While neither is likely to surpass Bridgewater, given his body of work and skill set, it was Martinez who performed better in the preseason opener. 

The UDFA finished four-of-seven for 37 yards, to go with 18 rushing yards, including the game-winning 1-yard score.