Full Breakdown
Lions Secure First Preseason Victory Over Washington, Highlighting Defensive Dominance
8/25/2026, 8:00:52 AM
Game Summary and Key Outcomes
The Detroit Lions earned their inaugural 2026 preseason win, defeating the Washington Commanders 17-13 at Ford Field, moving Detroit to a 1-1 preseason record.
Defensive Performance Highlights
Detroit’s defense limited Washington to 35 rushing yards on 17 carries and nine first-downs on 45 plays. Pro Football Focus logged 26 defensive stops. Debutants Derrick Moore and DJ Wonnum recorded sacks, while cornerbacks D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin allowed just two receptions for nine yards.
Offensive Struggles and Backup Quarterback Situation
The Lions entered without veteran backup Teddy Bridgewater, having signed Joshua Dobbs two weeks earlier. Dobbs was pressured on five of his 13 dropbacks, completing none of four attempts and receiving a PFF passing grade of 20.9. Rookie Luke Altmyer was pressured on seven of 17 dropbacks, completing one of three attempts for three yards and taking a sack.
Notable Emerging Players
- Jackson Meeks – tight end: Transitioning from wide receiver, Meeks led the team with five receptions for 50 yards and forced a fumble on special teams.
- Jacob Saylors – running back: With Isiah Pacheco and Sione Vaki sidelined, Saylors carried 14 times for 87 yards (5.3 ypc) and added 28 receiving yards, ranking fourth among qualifying preseason backs in ypc.
- Trayveon Williams – running back: Signed on August 16, Williams posted a team-high 60 yards from scrimmage and caught a 24-yard pass that started the Lions’ final touchdown drive.
Data & Statistics
| Metric | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | Lions 17, Commanders 13 | prideofdetroit |
| Rushing yards allowed | 35 on 17 carries | prideofdetroit |
| First downs allowed | 9 on 45 plays | prideofdetroit |
| Defensive stops (PFF) | 26 | prideofdetroit |
| Joshua Dobbs pressure rate | 5 of 13 dropbacks | prideofdetroit |
| Dobbs passing grade (PFF) | 20.9 | prideofdetroit |
| Jacob Saylors yards per carry | 5.3 (fourth-best) | prideofdetroit |
| Trayveon Williams total yards | 60 (team-high) | si |
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just thought the guys played fast, and so defensively we were able to play in their territory a ton and keep them backed up,” — Dan Campbell, head coach, Detroit Lions.
What’s Next
Detroit will finish its preseason against the Indianapolis Colts, giving bubble players—offensive linemen Seth McLaughlin, Colby Sorsdal, Miles Frazier, and Melvin Priestly—a final chance to improve their roster prospects.
