Strong defensive start not enough as Commanders fall to Lions, 17-13

The Washington Commanders' 17-13 loss to the Detroit Lions on Saturday at Ford Field did not begin like one.

Turnovers on each of Detroit's first two possessions gave the Commanders an early advantage. But the offense could not consistently turn those opportunities into points, allowing the Lions to rally for the victory.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn started several regulars for the opening series, including Jayden Daniels, who was making his first game appearance since aggravating his injured left elbow against Minnesota in Week 14 last season.

After more than eight months away from live competition, Daniels said live action carried a different sense of urgency than practice and that it felt good to play football again.

Daniels' return lasted just one series. He finished 0-for-1 and took a sack before Quinn turned to rookie Athan Kaliakmanis and Sam Hartman to handle the remaining snaps at quarterback.

The decision to limit Daniels to one series was part of the plan from the outset, according to Quinn, who said he intended to stick with the predetermined approach regardless of how many plays Daniels received. While noting the importance of getting those looks, Quinn said Daniels is having an "excellent camp."

With Washington still evaluating whether to carry three quarterbacks on the initial roster, Kaliakmanis made a strong case Saturday.

The seventh-round pick out of Rutgers finished 11-of-14 for 162 yards, including a 55-yard strike to undrafted rookie wide receiver Nick Nash on the first snap of the fourth quarter.

Quinn praised the quarterbacks' downfield throws and their accuracy against Detroit's man coverage.

While the offense struggled to capitalize on those early opportunities, the defense continued to create them. After ranking 31st in the NFL in takeaways last season, the unit forced two turnovers and recorded five sacks Saturday.

Following the game, Quinn said fighting for loose balls must become part of Washington's habits, mindset and preparation.

The first takeaway immediately put points on the board. Amik Robertson forced a fumble on Detroit's opening possession, and Joshua Josephs recovered it in the end zone to put the Commanders ahead 7-0.

On Detroit's second offensive possession, Lions quarterback Joshua Dobbs was intercepted by Commanders safety Quan Martin. It was Martin's second interception of the preseason after he picked off Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers in Week 1.

The Lions answered on their third possession. On third-and-3 from midfield, Dobbs kept the ball on an option play and raced up the left side for a 50-yard touchdown, tying the game at 7 with 6:38 remaining in the first quarter.

Jake Bates had a chance to put Detroit ahead before halftime, but his 55-yard field-goal attempt missed, keeping the game tied heading into the intermission.

To open the second half, the Commanders put together an 11-play, 78-yard drive that took 6:15 off the clock before Drew Stevens converted a 27-yard field goal to make it 10-7.

After the teams exchanged punts midway through the third quarter, Detroit went 48 yards in seven plays. Trayveon Williams finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, giving the Lions a 14-10 lead.

The Commanders answered with a drive that carried into the fourth quarter and reached Detroit's 14-yard line, but the Lions' defense again held Washington to a field goal. Stevens connected from 32 yards for his second field goal of the game, cutting the deficit to 14-13.

Another opportunity followed late in the game, but Hartman's pass to running back Craig Reynolds fell incomplete on fourth-and-2 from Washington's 40-yard line. The turnover on downs gave Detroit possession with a chance to extend its lead.

Detroit capitalized by moving into field-goal range before Bates connected from 37 yards to extend the lead to 17-13.

The Commanders still had a chance to mount a final comeback, but rookie returner Robert Henry Jr. fumbled the ensuing kickoff with 2:15 remaining.

Detroit recovered, picked up a first down and ran out the clock.

The Commanders will practice this week, including a joint session with the Baltimore Ravens, before the teams meet Friday at 7 p.m. at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore for Washington's preseason finale.