The NFL preseason is fully underway, and the Detroit Lions are looking for their second-string quarterback.
Former Illinois great Luke Altmyer got the starting nod over a newcomer to the team but a veteran in the ranks, Joshua Dobbs. Everything was going swimmingly in Altmyer’s first NFL drive of his career until he got hit with a welcome-to-the-NFL moment.
Altmyer was cooking on the first drive. He was 3-of-3 for 31 yards, and the Lions were in Cincinnati territory. The Illini gunslinger did a short drop-back and hit his wide receiver on a slant.
The wide receiver had the ball go through his hands and into the air. This enabled the Bengals to intercept the pass.
Jordan Battle gets the INT off the tipped pass!#WhoDey pic.twitter.com/QHQH1ZTzas
— SleeperBengals (@SleeperBengals) August 13, 2026
In the box score, this is going to look like Altmyer threw an interception and that he is struggling. In reality, this could have easily been a touchdown drive for the Lions if it weren’t for the bad hands of their wide receiver.
The Detroit Lions know what Luke Altmyer does well, as he was a slant expert at Illinois
It was tough to see Altmyer throw an interception because it wasn’t his fault. He was playing well on that first drive. I think it is fascinating to see that the Lions are putting together a game plan surrounding what Altmyer does best.
I thought Altmyer’s best attribute at Illinois was throwing the quick slant. Don’t give him time to think. Have him drop back a few steps, and then the ball is out of his hands and flying toward a wide receiver who has created separation from the defensive back.
The interception play on the first drive was so similar to what we saw at Illinois, minus the interception. Altmyer was quick with his drop. He was quick with his release. He hit his man in the hands.
Something tells me big things are ahead for Altmyer. If he keeps playing well and proving himself, the second-string job is his to lose.
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