COMMANDERS GROUNDED BY LIONS

In their first preseason game with the Dolphins, the Commanders controlled the line of scrimmage; that was not the case in their 17 - 13 loss to the Detroit Lions on Saturday August 22, in Detroit.

The exhibition game could not have started any better for the Commanders. On the Lions’ initial series following the Kick off, Commanders Linebacker, Amik Robertson, forced a fumble when he came untouched on a blitz off the Left side and found a clear path to the Lions’ Quarterback, disrupting his exchange to their running back. A well designed play by Commanders 1st year Defensive Coordinator Daronte Jones.

The football fell to the turf and acted like a greased pig, with several players from both teams getting their hands on it. Fortunately Commanders Defensive Tackle, Joshua Joseph, gained possession in the Lions end zone, for a Commanders touchdown less than 1 minute into the game. 7 – 0 COMMANDERS

The Lions evened the game in the 2nd Quarter when Quarterback Joshua Dobbs dropped back to pass and took off running, sprinting untouched 50 yards to the end zone for a game tying Touchdown. 7 – 7 at the half.

The Lions evened the game in the 2nd Quarter when Quarterback Joshua Dobbs dropped back to pass and took off running, sprinting untouched 50 yards to the end zone for a game tying Touchdown. 7 – 7 at the half.

QB Sam Hartman led the Commanders in the first half; although he was efficient on 9 -11 passing for 67 yards, he lost a fumble and failed to get the Offense into the end zone.

The Commanders were losing the line of scrimmage on both Offense and Defense.

The First half statistics told the story. The Lions rushed for 128 yards on 16 carries and allowed the Commanders 35 yards IN THE ENTIRE GAME‼️

Both teams changed Quarterbacks in the 2nd half. Commanders rookie Athan Kaliakmanis came out throwing the Football down field with success, leading the team on an 11 play, 78 yd drive that consumed over 6 minutes. Unfortunately, the drive stalled due to 1 of the 11 penalties on the day for the Commanders, resulting in a Drew Stevens 32yd field goal. 10 – 7

COMMANDERS

The Lions answered with a 7 play drive and a rushing touchdown by RB Trayveon Williams to take a lead they never relinquished. 14 – 10 LIONS

In the start of the 4th quarter the Commanders drove deep into Lions’ territory with some accurate long passes by QB Kaliakmanis, marching 61 yds on just 6 plays before stalling at the Lions 15 yard line, where PK Drew Stevens converted his 2nd field goal of the contest from 32 yds. 14 – 13 LIONS

With just over 2 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter the Commanders Defense stiffened deep in their own territory and held the Lions to a field goal, giving them 1 last opportunity to win this exhibition game. 17 – 13 LIONS

In the first preseason exhibition game vs the Dolphins, Commanders running back, Robert Henry III was outstanding. With just limited touches in this game (4), he had an opportunity to distinguish himself as a returner and put himself in position to make the 53 man active roster. Unfortunately, he fumbled on the return which was recovered by the Lions who ran out the game clock and secured the victory.

FINAL SCORE LIONS 17 – COMMANDERS 13

Key Game Stats – Offense Athan Kaliakmanis 11 – 14 162 yds Sam Hartman 9 -- 11 67 yds 1 fumble Nic Nash 2 receptions – 62 yds Jaden Bradley 2 receptions – 42 yds Antoinio Williams 3 receptions – 41 yds Jacoby Jones 3 receptions -- 37 yds Drew Stevens 2 -- 2 FG’s Team passing 20 -- 26 208 yds total Team rushing 17 -- 35 yds total

Defense Ale Kaho 6 tackles 3 solo Maurice Hurst II 5 tackles 2 QB sacks Ricky Barber 5 tackles Team vs passing 16 – 25 110 yds total Team vs run 35 -- 169 yds totaL

Next Game – COMMANDERS at RAVENS Fri. August 28, 6pm EST

NICK’S NUGGET’S

The Commanders have 4 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries in the first 2 exhibition games. They are led by safety, Quan Martin, who has intercepted a pass in both exhibition games.

The Commanders pass defense yielded the most yards per reception ( 11.1 ) to Running Backs and Tight Ends in the NFL in 2025, a major concern in the off season. The pass defense has allowed a total of 220 yds in the 2 exhibition games played, with the aid of 8 Quarterback sacks‼️

The Commanders will play their next pre-season game on the road in Baltimore and open the 2026 season at Philadelphia 9/13 and then at Dallas 9/20. They will then host the Defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks on 9/27.

Each NFL team must cutdown rosters from 90 players to a 53 man active roster on August 30. Teams have until 12 pm on Monday August 31, to add any players released from other teams to their 53 man active roster.

After 12pm EST on Monday August 31st, every team then can sign 16 of the players they released, and went unclaimed, to their practice squad.