Takeaways: Commanders Defense, Kaliakmanis Shine, OL Concerns?

After kicking off the preseason slate with a 20-7 win over Miami at home, the Washington Commanders dropped the first of two preseason road games after falling, 17-13, against the Detroit Lions on Saturday. Yet with it preseason, the result matters a lot less than how the game materialized as we dive into the takeaways:

With more starters available on Saturday, the Commanders’ defense was ready from the jump. During the first series of the game, Amik Robertson generated the first big play on a blitz from the nickel, forcing a fumble on Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs before rookie OLB Joshua Josephs came down with the loose ball in the endzone, putting Washington ahead, 7-0. The next drive wouldn’t be too different after safety Quan Martin came down with an overthrow for his second interception of preseason, along with the Commanders’ fifth takeaway in preseason. Safety Tyler Owens also flashed in the first quarter on a blitz that blew up the running back, while T.J. Maguranyanga, the team’s international pathway signing, registered one of the team’s four first half sacks and five total sacks with plenty to be excited about.

Yet there was some to work through after the Lions were able to tie it up midway through the first quarter. Josh Dobbs capitalized on the read option that rookie Josephs bit on and was overextended, allowing a clear path for Dobbs to find the endzone on a 50 yard run untouched. It marked somewhat of a sign of what may have been the only concern on defense after the Lions amassed 169 yards on 35 carries, nearly five yards per carry, in addition to four runs over ten yards. Though Washington entered the day without both Daron Payne and Johnny Newton, this upcoming week will give Washington a chance to re-evaluate its defensive line depth.

For as much as the defense stuck out, the offense’s early returns didn’t exactly inspire confidence. After days of speculation and questions, Washington got a chance to see wide receiver Stefon Diggs suit up as a Commander for the first time and quarterback Jayden Daniels in action for the first time since Dec. 7, but it was a brief appearance after appearing for exactly one series. And it was a series that far from ideal.

Daniels was forced to throw the ball away early on first down after the Lions generated immediate pressure, then a sack quickly ended second down after tight end John Bates was beat off the snap. A third down draw would be the end of Daniels’ day with his lone pass attempt a deflating outcome. The question may be if Daniels was only able to play one series, then what was the point of playing him, especially after deciding to pull him following a series that showed minimal? Yet maybe there is a reason.

The starting offensive line was without Nick Allegretti on Saturday while Brandon Coleman looks to alleviate any concerns at LT, but the starting unit did nothing to inspire confidence that they can silence any of the growing questions. While it was a small sample size, the pass protection was atrocious on both reps Jayden Daniels took before the third down run. Julian Good-Jones struggled in his game reps, adding intrigue to whether head coach Dan Quinn will keep rookie Matt Gulbin at center through the rest of preseason.

But on Saturday given the glaring concerns that materialized immediately, Washington made sure their starting quarterback got out of Detroit without any issues. The question ahead is what moves need to be made in the trenches.

The opening drive of the second half may have been one of the most encouraging through preseason so far. With seventh round pick Athan Kaliakmanis taking the field for the opening drive, the rest of the offense featured impressive plays from the rookie class.

That included a one-handed catch by UDFA signing Jaden Bradley for a 30 yard gain that flipped the field, along with a pair of catches from third-round pick Antonio Williams including a critical 21-yard pickup on third down. RB Kaytron Allen saw multiple runs get blown up at the line of scrimmage, yet still managed to avoid negative plays like week one. Kaliakmanis was confident in the pocket and was largely accurate, though a misfire on the drive that stalled in the redzone was one thr

he would like to get back. Though it didn’t end in the endzone, UDFA and newly announced starting kicker Drew Stevens punched a 27-yard FG through to give the lead back to Washington.

It also illustrated where the QB3 battle stands through Saturday after Kaliakmanis went 11-of-14 for 162 yards while Sam Hartman went 9-for-11 for 67 yards and a six-yard run. Hartman’s final series included a 24 yard completion to Jacoby Jones that pushed the offense deep out of its own territory, but that would be the end of it after a fourth down incompletion marked his final snap of the day. Kalakmanis’ confidence and arm strength was evident once again on Saturday with a question whether he has now officially moved ahead of the third-year QB.

Quick Takeaways & Notes