The Washington Commanders fell 17-13 to the Detroit Lions in week two of the NFL preseason at Ford Field on Saturday. Despite the loss, the matchup provided an early look at Washington’s revamped starting offense and featured a standout performance from the defense.
For the first time this preseason, Washington’s first-team offense took the field, with quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs making their preseason debuts.
This marked Daniels’ first appearance in NFL action since Week 14 of the 2025 season against the Minnesota Vikings, while Diggs suited up in Burgundy and Gold for the first time since signing with Washington earlier this month.
“It’s just good to…operationally go out there and live bullets,” said Daniels. “I mean, joint practice is [is great]. It’s just a different type of urgency when you’re going up against somebody else that is live. So it was good to get back out there and, like I said, play football.”
Head coach Dan Quinn said earlier in the week that a “good amount” of starters were expected to see the field, though he remained uncertain about whether Daniels would be among them. Ultimately, the quarterback’s highly anticipated preseason debut lasted just three plays on Washington’s opening possession.
Daniels faced pressure immediately on first down, forcing him to throw the ball away. On the following play, he was sacked for a 10-yard loss after both tight ends were unable to provide efficient protection. The series concluded with Daniels handing the ball off to running back Kaytron Allen before the starting unit exited the game.
While the limited playing time for Washington’s offensive starters may have been the plan all along, the opening series highlighted some early concerns along the offensive line, particularly in pass protection.
Despite the preseason loss, Washington’s defense delivered a dominant showing. To kick off Washington’s scoring effect cornerback Amik Robertson forced a fumble that allowed rookie defensive end Joshua Josephs to recover the ball in the end zone for a touchdown.
The defensive dominance continued down the stretch as safety Quan Martin recorded his second pick of the preseason, and safety Tyler Owens showed tremendous physicality off the edge. But what kept the momentum going was three sacks from defensive lineman Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Maurice Hurst II, and TJ Maguranyanga in one just drive.
While the defense put on a show in the first half, it was the depth of the offense that really impressed in the end. Rookie quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis finished the day completing 11-of-14 passes for 162 yards.
“I did see some explosive plays, you know … shots down the field,” Quinn said.
One of the arguably best passes of the day was a deep 55-yard pass by the sideline to wide receiver Nick Nash. Further, wide receiver Jalen Bradley had the most jaw-dropping play with a 30-yard one-handed grab over the shoulder, while Williams finished the day with three targets for 41 yards, including a 21-yard reception.
This week, Washington turns their attention to the Baltimore Ravens for some Battle of the Beltway action for their preseason finale. Both teams are set to face off against one another in a joint practice on Wednesday, Aug. 26, followed by a game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Friday at 6 p.m.
“We’re looking forward to working with [Baltimore Ravens Head Coach] Jesse [Minter] and his team,” Quinn continued. “[It’s a] good program and we’re ready to get rolling with that.”
