Takeaways From Detroit Lions 17-13 Preseason Win Against Commanders

Here are the highlights, lessons learned from the Detroit Lions second preseason game.

Detroit Lions offense huddling up against the Washington Commanders in the first quarter at Ford Field | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Detroit Lions second preseason contest against the Washington featured several starters who had an opportunity to play in front of the home fans for the first time during training camp.

Dan Campbell shared before the game the plan was to play starters for one quarter. The former NFL tight end indicated the first preseason game was highly beneficial

“It gave us a lot, because really they present a different scheme on offense and defense. To be able to expose your players to something that’s a little bit different, yet still versus good competition in this league is only gonna help your guys. Look, it’s always different. You can put these guys in all the situations you want, sometimes until you put them under the lights in a game you’re not gonna know for sure. That’s what we found out. A lot of guys really upped their game and made plays, and some guys just crumbled. It’s not their fault, it’s just the nature of this league. Not everybody can do it.”

One of the primary goals Campbell wanted to accomplish was for the team not to beat themselves and to force their opponent to earn everything on the field.

Unfortunately, Campbell's squad did have multiple turnovers in the home preseason opener.

Here are several key takeaways from the Lions' 17-13 home victory.

Lions offense starts with two turnovers

The offensive line did not have their best week of practice at training camp. In a non-padded practice on Thursday afternoon, the defense was observed pressuring the quarterback regularly.

After winning the coin toss, the Commanders elected to defer.

Larry Borom was beat easily on the left side and the Commanders pressure from cornerback Amik Robertson forced a Josh Dobbs fumble.

Outside linebacker Joshua Joseph recovered the football and scored a touchdown. On the next possession, Dobbs threw an errant pass that was intercepted by safety Quan Martin.

Lions take advantage of great blocking, athletic quarterback

After early miscommunication and poor blocking by the offensive line, Detroit got on the scoreboard on their third offensive drive of the game.

Part of what the Lions find appealing about Dobbs is his ability to bounce back quickly after mistakes out on the field.

Dobbs scampered for a 50-yard touchdown on a zone read. Wide receiver Tay Martin and tight end Tyler Conklin held their blocks long enough to allow the veteran backup to scamper into the second level.

Great blocking by TE Tyler Conklin and WR Tay Martin! Score pic.twitter.com/U2w3NxZqvH

— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) August 22, 2026

Pass-rush stays hot

After the sputtering start, the Lions' defense was able to help snuff out the Commanders' momentum. Turnovers ended each of the Lions' first two series, but the defense immediately put to rest the Commanders' groove.

The pass-rush had a big role in that, as D.J. Wonnum had a sack of Jayden Daniels on the first series. Washington would play its starters for only the first series, which ended in a three-and-out.

Skyler Gill-Howard made an impact early, as he and Wonnum had teamed up for a sack that was unfortunately negated by a penalty on rookie Keith Abney.

Two other defensive first half standouts were cornerback D.J. Reed and rookie defensive end Derrick Moore. Reed had two tackles for loss, while Moore had a sack and forced fumble that ended the first half.

Call it a strip-sack for the rook 〽️ https://t.co/APLrrRHLRJ pic.twitter.com/Cn3hJmS2In

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 22, 2026

Center position is a concern

Seth McLaughlin had some significant struggles against the Commanders. In a battle to see who will start the season at center, the former Ohio State Buckeyes offensive linemen was flagged for false starts, gave up a tackle for loss and struggled in protection.

Juice Scruggs is still acclimating to playing with the first-team offense. If something should happen to the veteran lineman, Detroit may find themselves needing to look outside the organization for a reliable contributor.

Notes

1.) The Lions starting offensive line featured Larry Borrom (LT), Christian Mahogany (LG), Juice Scruggs (C), Tate Ratledge (RG) and Blake Miller (RT).

2.) Among the players not playing for the Lions on Saturday include Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sione Vaki, Isiah Pacheco, Sam LaPorta, Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Ben Bartch, Penei Sewell, Cade Mays, Payton Turner, Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Chuck Clark, Jimmy Rolder, Jack Campbell and Thomas Harper.

3.) Tight end Jackson Meeks ended Thursday's practice with a touchdown, and continued building momentum. He demonstrated a strong connection with Luke Altmyer, notching three catches for 27 yards in the first half. In the fourth quarter, Meeks was able to jar the football loose from a Commanders returner, allowing the Lions to recover while leading 17-13.

4.) Colby Sorsdal was sent to the bench at the end of the second-quarter. There was one series in the second-quarter where Seth McLaughlin, Tyler Conklin and Sorsdal each struggled with blocking and contributed to Altymer getting sacked.

5.) Veteran cornerback D.J. Reed turned some heads after doing a back flip in the first half. He was able to duck under a defender to stuff the Commanders in the backfield for a tackle for loss.