The Commanders vs Lions Preseason Recap starts with a 17-13 loss, but the real story was how much Washington’s coaching staff learned along the way. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (AK) in particular gave the team a genuine problem to be excited about heading into final roster cuts.
Defense Struck First
Washington’s defense set the tone early. Cornerback Amik Robertson sacked Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs, jarring the ball loose, and rookie Joshua Josephs scooped it up in the end zone for a touchdown. 7-0 Commanders.
Detroit answered right back, with Dobbs breaking off a 50-yard scoring run of his own on an RPO ,to tie the game at 7-7. Dobbs finished the day 7 of 12 for 74 yards, adding an interception to the touchdown fumble too.
Kaliakmanis Makes His Case
With Marcus Mariota sidelined and Jayden Daniels chilling, the QB3 competition between Sam Hartman and rookie Athan Kaliakmanis took center stage once again. Kaliakmanis was quite impressive, completing 11 of 14 passes for 162 yards without a turnover, good for a 114.9 passer rating.
His best moment came in the fourth quarter, connecting with receiver Nick Nash for a 55-yard strike that set up a Washington field goal that put them within one at 13-14.
Hartman was solid in his own right, going 9 of 11 for 67 yards. But the rookie just appears to have a lot more upside.
A Tight Finish
Detroit’s defense deserves real credit for keeping Washington’s offense off schedule most of the afternoon, holding the Commanders to just 4 of 12 on third down. Washington still had a shot in the final minutes, driving into Detroit territory before a fourth-down pressure forced an incompletion and turned the ball over on downs. A late kickoff return fumble by Robert Henry Jr. eliminated much of a last chance.
The Commanders defensive effort throughout kept it a one-score game.
Guys Who Helped Themselves
Athan Kalifinakis – just looks more comfortable than Sam Hartman. He’s been impressive enough that putting him on the practice squad leaves him exposed and he could disappear. Poise in the pocket – he faced plenty of pressure – no sacks. He looks more polished than he should, albeit against deeper depth players.
Kaytron Allen – has been their go-to-guy. He led all ball carriers with 10 rushes for 30 yards. His top ball carrier status in both games, indicates a high level of confidence in him. He blocks well too. He had a great block on the Jaden Bradley 30-yard catch. Even if the Commanders only keep four backs, he appears to be one of them.
Joshua Josephs – any time a defensive player puts points on he board, he endears himself to all. The rookie has a great motor and it resulted in 6 points against the Lions. Good camp too.
Quan Martin – the question everyone had was if Martin could bounce back and have a better season. Two picks in two games is a great start – preseason or not.
Tyler Owens – absolutely blew up the Lions running back on a pass rush. Putting that kind of hit on tape, will always help your chances.
Drew Stevens – may be the only kicker left and seem to have the job, but a kicker’s life is tough. He looked solid on both of his kicks and kickers thrive on the confidence they gain from their successes.
Guys Who Hurt Themselves
Sam Hartman – didn’t really do anything wrong. In fact, 9 of 11 is great. It’s really just that the rookie quarterback looks as good or better, and may have more upside. That may leave Hartman on the outside looking in.
Robert Henry Jr. – was probably fine until he fumbled the kickoff late in the fourth quarter. His four rushes for -3 yards won’t cut it either, but might have been easily dismissed were it not for the fumble. Odds are actually stacked against him, and he’ll need an exceptional outing next week to even have a shot. The practice squad is his likely landing spot, despite a great outing last week.
Will Harris – was nowhere to be found on Josh Dobbs’ 50-yard touchdown run. But he should have been. He’s gotta do better than that – especially if he expects to start.
Coaching
Dan Quinn has made conservative but intelligent decisions through the preseason. He’s not desperately trying to look good, and win games. He seems to be earnestly evaluating talent. He gave kicker Drew Stevens reps in both games, that in a regular season game he may have gone for on a fourth down conversion.
Of course we have to first clear the elephant in the room – starters are not getting a whole lot of reps. Between players that sat out entirely today – 15 didn’t even dress – and players that just jogged out for a very dull three-and-out, Washington’s likely opening day number one players, won’t have played much come opening day. If at all.
Still, there haven’t been a lot of mistakes made in either game, and they played pretty disciplined. The staff also got looks at a ton of different players that are battling for backup and special teams positions.
Losing Stinks
A preseason loss means very little, and this one still had plenty to feel good about. Washington’s defense scored a touchdown of its own, and they got a good look at Kaliakmanis under competitive pressure.
And his performance may answer one of camp’s biggest position battles.