The Washington Commanders fell 17-13 to the Detroit Lions in their second preseason game on Saturday. Washington’s healthy starters played, but on offense, that lasted all of three plays. After quarterback Jayden Daniels was pressured on first down and forced to throw the ball away, he took a sack on second down after both tight ends failed to make a block. Head coach Dan Quinn had seen enough.
One series could’ve always been the plan for Washington’s offensive starters, but it’s also fair to wonder if Quinn saw the team’s inability to protect Daniels and decided to pull them.
While it was a tough day for the Commanders’ first-team offense, some players did stand out. Here are six players who came away from Saturday’s game as winners.
QB Athan KaliakmanisKaliakmanis came off the bench to complete 11 of 14 passes for 162 yards. He looks confident and is clearly comfortable throwing from the pocket. Kaliakmanis puts the ball in the receivers’ hands, giving them a chance to gain more yards after the catch. Check out this throw and catch to Nick Nash.
What a perfect throw and catch by Athan Kaliakmanis to Nick Nash#RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/xGpBa0qr32
— SleeperCommanders (@SleeperWSH) August 22, 2026WR Antonio WilliamsThe rookie third-round pick caught two passes for 41 yards. One play stood out, though. Watch how Williams goes up in traffic and pulls this one down with his hands, knowing he would get hit. These are the types of catches that help receivers earn the trust of their quarterbacks. It's also a case of Williams playing bigger than his size.
Antonio Williams is going to be special ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/hyiPHe1clC
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) August 22, 2026WR Jaden BradleyIt’s really a shame that the Commanders have a logjam at wide receiver because in any other year, undrafted rookie Jaden Bradley would be a slam-dunk. Bradley stood out in OTAs, and that has continued in training camp. You’ve seen veteran receivers like Terry McLaurin spending time mentoring Bradley. Last week, he almost blocked multiple punts on special teams. Against the Lions, check out this one-handed grab.
JADEN. BRADLEY.
📺 #WASvsDET@wusa9pic.twitter.com/P3BjL7SG6A
The rookie edge has had a phenomenal camp. He flashed in the preseason opener, too. On Washington’s first defensive series, Josephs beat his man to get pressure on Lions QB Joshua Dobbs. Josephs’ pressure allowed cornerback Amik Robertson to get the sack and force the fumble. Josephs then hustled after the ball and came away with the touchdown. So, when you watch the replay, watch Josephs when the ball is snapped. That’s what’s impressive here. Josephs did have one play he’d like to have back when Dobbs scored on a long touchdown run.
A big hit leads to a fumble and a @Commanders TD!
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/yBLQW1s6n6
Maurice Hurst was signed earlier this week when it was revealed that Johnny Newton tore his pec. What a first impression the 31-year-old veteran made for the Commanders. Hurst finished the game with five tackles, including two for loss and two sacks. Hurst still has a battle ahead to make the roster, but a spot is open with Newton sidelined.
LB Ale KahoMuch like he did last preseason, linebacker Ale Kaho is making a push to make Washington’s 53-man roster. If he makes the Commanders’ roster, he’ll have to earn it on special teams. This preseason, he’s earning it everywhere. Kaho led all players with six tackles in Saturday’s game. He’s just a solid, consistent football player. Kaho’s inclusion on the 53 will depend on whether Washington keeps five or six linebackers. It could come down to Kaho and former UCLA teammate Kain Medrano for that final linebacker spot.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 6 standouts from Commanders' preseason loss to Lions
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