As Josh Dobbs dropped into the pocket on the game’s opening drive, the pocket collapsed so quickly that the routine dropback almost presented itself as a screen play. In less than two seconds, three Commanders defenders were within arm’s reach of the Lions’ second-string quarterback, vying for the rights to the inevitable sack. Starting nickel corner Amik Robertson won the contest, dropping his shoulder into the chest of Dobb in textbook fashion, sending the quarterback and ball flying in different directions.
A confused herd of Lions linemen was close in their attempts to recapture possession, but Commanders’ rookie linebacker Joshua Josephs managed to wrestle the ball into his possession after it had bounced nearly twenty yards backwards and into the Lions’ end zone.
The preseason in the NFL often veils a team’s true talent. The only two NFL teams to finish a season 0-16 boasted went undefeated in those same preseasons. But while the final score (Lions 17, Commanders 14) may not provide any real insight into a team’s future, moments like the Commanders experienced on the opening drive today can bring chemistry and excitement that carry into September football.
As the game progressed, the mix of first- and second-string players dwindled down to third and fourths, and the momentum and strength of the team came fittingly to a near halt. While the defense gave fans some confidence with a handful of sacks and turnovers recorded by first- and second-year players, the offence continued to struggle in areas that have looked worrisome all offseason.
Neither Jacory Croskey-Merritt nor Rachaad White saw the field, leaving rookies Kaytron Allen and Robert Henry Jr. to absorb all of the carries. At a position where some promising rookie depth is needed, neither rookie showed the same promise they brought to last week’s game against the Dolphins. When the dust settled in Detroit, the duo had accumulated twenty-seven yards at under three yards per carry.
Seventh-round rookie quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis outplayed Hartman for the second straight week, starting an interesting conversation for Washington’s front office, should they decide to keep a third quarterback on the roster behind Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota.
Jayden Daniels and Sonny Styles both played very limited reps. Styles recorded a tackle, while Daniels was pulled after a highlight-free three-and-out on his first drive.
Next week, the Commanders will play the next-door neighbor Ravens for their annual preseason meeting. There is little reason to believe that the Commanders will leave or even send their starters out on the field as they prepare for their season opener on September 13th at 4:25 ET in Philadelphia.
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