The Washington Commanders will hit the road for their second preseason matchup as they travel to Ford Field to face the Detroit Lions. After opening the preseason with a 20-7 victory over the Miami Dolphins, Washington now gets another opportunity to evaluate its roster before the regular season gets closer.
Unlike the preseason opener, Commanders vs Lions could provide a better glimpse of what Washington will look like when the games begin to count. Head coach Dan Quinn indicated that a good amount of the starters are expected to see action against Detroit, making this an important evaluation for both the first-team units and players fighting for roster spots.
With injuries, position battles and a new-look coaching staff still trying to put everything together, here are five critical things to watch in Commanders vs Lions.
Commanders. vs Lions Question 1: How Does David Blough’s Offense Look With the Starters?
It will be a very intriguing first look at David Blough Offense with majority of the the first team unit out there.
The preseason opener gave Blough an opportunity to show some of his philosophy, particularly with Washington’s commitment to running the football. Kaytron Allen rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown against Miami, while Robert Henry Jr. added 75 yards and another score.
Detroit should provide another valuable test.
Washington does not need to reveal its entire offensive playbook during the preseason, but execution will be important. The Commanders should look organized at the line of scrimmage, establish the running game and create manageable situations for their quarterbacks.
The offensive line will be especially important to watch after injuries have created uncertainty throughout the unit. Commanders vs Lions should give Blough another opportunity to experiment with protections, quick passes, screens, play-action and moving the pocket to help his offensive line.
Regardless of who is under center, Washington needs to show that Blough’s offense is continuing to develop an identity.
Can Washington Generate Pressure With Its Injuries?
Washington’s defensive front has suddenly become one of the biggest concerns entering Commanders vs Lions.
The Commanders have been dealing with multiple injuries on defense. Johnny Newton underwent surgery on his pectoral muscle, while Odafe Oweh has been dealing with a calf strain. K’Lavon Chaisson suffered a knee injury, and linebacker Jordan Magee has also been sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Those absences create opportunities for Washington’s depth.
Daron Payne is one player who could receive an extended opportunity up front. But the bigger question is whether defensive coordinator Daronte Jones can manufacture pressure without some of the players Washington expects to rely on during the regular season.
Washington can experiment with different fronts, linebacker pressures and simulated pressure looks while evaluating which rotational defenders can be trusted. Detroit’s offensive line also has questions of its own, particularly at center, making this an intriguing matchup in the trenches.
The Commanders need to leave Detroit feeling better about their defensive depth than they did entering the game.
The Center Position Remains a Major Question
Im going to sound like a broken record every time this is mentioned. But the center position is very murky.
Nick Allegretti has missed valuable time during the preseason because of a calf injury, although he returned to practice this week.
For an offensive line already dealing with uncertainty, center is already a deemed weakness. Communication is critical at the position, especially when identifying defensive fronts, setting protections and keeping the quarterback comfortable.
Sixth-round rookie Matt Gulbin is another young lineman worth monitoring as Washington continues experimenting with its interior offensive line.
During Commanders vs Lions, pay close attention to the exchanges, interior pass protection and communication before the snap. Washington does not necessarily need to have its entire offensive line figured out by the end of the afternoon, but there needs to be progress.
The regular season is getting closer, and eventually Washington needs an answer at center.
Who Takes Control of the QB3 Battle?
Marcus Mariota’s MCL sprain has created an unexpected opportunity behind Jayden Daniels.
Mariota is expected to miss the remainder of the preseason but could return for Week 1. That leaves Sam Hartman and rookie Athan Kaliakmanis with more opportunities to prove they deserve a place on the roster.
That makes Commanders vs Lions particularly important for Washington’s quarterback depth chart.
Kaliakmanis showed some encouraging signs during the preseason opener, and now the question becomes whether he can build on that performance. Hartman, meanwhile, needs to make the most of every opportunity he receives.
For both quarterbacks, the evaluation goes beyond statistics.
Washington may not make its final QB3 decision immediately after Commanders vs Lions, but this game could go a long way toward determining who has the advantage.
Which Young Players Continue Making Their Case?
Washington’s starters will command most of the attention early, but the second half of Commanders vs Lions could be even more important for players sitting near the roster bubble.
Robert Henry Jr. is one name to continue watching after his impressive preseason opener. The undrafted running back rushed for 75 yards and a touchdown against Miami, putting himself firmly into the conversation at running back.
Rookie linebacker Sonny Styles is another young player who should receive attention. Quinn praised Styles following his limited work in the opener, and every additional snap gives Washington another opportunity to evaluate how quickly he is adjusting to the NFL.
Antonio Williams, Matt Gulbin and several players in Washington’s secondary are also fighting to establish their roles before final roster cuts.
These are the players who can make preseason football exciting. One tackle on special teams, one explosive run or one takeaway can completely change the conversation surrounding a roster battle.
