Commanders’ Starting Defense Flashes in a 17-13 Loss to the Lions

Washington defenders celebrate during the preseason game in Detroit. Official Washington Commanders photography; PowerPage branding added.

The Commanders’ 17-13 preseason loss in Detroit came with a meaningful bright spot: the first-team defense made the afternoon more useful than the final score suggests. Washington forced two turnovers during the Lions’ opening possessions, giving the coaching staff an encouraging look at a unit built to play faster and create more disruption in 2026.

Washington’s official five-takeaway review says Amik Robertson blitzed quarterback Josh Dobbs on Detroit’s second snap and knocked the ball loose. Joshua Josephs recovered it in the end zone. Six plays later, Quan Martin intercepted Dobbs after the quarterback rolled to his right, giving Martin his second pick of the preseason and the Commanders six takeaways through two games.

The starting offense did not match that energy. Its lone series ended in a three-and-out, leaving Washington’s evaluation tilted toward the defense and the reserve competitions behind it. Preseason results do not carry into September, but the ability to turn pressure into possession changes is meaningful for a defense that finished near the bottom of the league in takeaways last season.

Rookie quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis also improved his case. He showed more downfield range than his draft profile suggested, including a 55-yard completion to Nick Nash and a 30-yard gain to Jaden Bradley. Bradley supplied the catch of the game with a one-handed grab in tight coverage, another important rep in a crowded receiver room.

Washington now has one final preseason test and a more revealing joint-practice week ahead. The Commanders will work against the Ravens in Owings Mills before facing Baltimore at M&T Bank Stadium next Saturday. Those practices may matter more for the starters than the finale itself, particularly if several veterans are held out again.

The 17-13 score belongs to Detroit, but Washington’s clearest takeaway is defensive. The starting group played with speed, created immediate mistakes and gave the roster-bubble players useful opportunities. PowerPage Sports will follow the Ravens–Commanders week as both regional teams move toward final cuts.