Two-thirds of the NFL preseason is in the books for the Detroit Lions.
The Lions (1-1) grabbed their first win of the preseason thanks to a strong defensive day and a great day on the ground, beating the Washington Commanders (1-1), 17-13, from Ford Field.
After the Lions' second preseason game, who's trending up and who's trending down?
Trending up: Derrick Moore, DJ Wonnum, Skyler Gill-HowardDerrick Moore had a strong first half, including this strip-sack fumble. pic.twitter.com/hQDgbZJIcp
— The Lions Wire (@thelionswire) August 22, 2026In his first action with the Lions, rookie EDGE Derrick Moore impressed. He had a pair of pressures, including his strip-sack fumble of Sam Hartman.
DJ Wonnum sacked Jayden Daniels on the Commanders' first offensive possession and Skyler Gill-Howard was a part of the aforementioned Moore strip-sack fumble.
It was a great day for the Lions' pass rush. Detroit's new faces along the defensive line were the biggest bright spot from Saturday.
Trending down: QB Josh DobbsRough start for the Lions and Josh Dobbs. Dobbs throws late across his body and is picked off by Quan Martin. pic.twitter.com/EynBf0Y5n1
— The Lions Wire (@thelionswire) August 22, 2026Josh Dobbs probably still has the leg up on Luke Altmyer in the backup quarterback competition based simply upon experience and familiarity with first-year offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
Dobbs, 31, served as the Arizona Cardinals' starting quarterback for the beginning of the 2023 season with Petzing as the Cards' OC. The two also worked together for much of the 2022 NFL season in Cleveland. Plus, Dobbs has played in 27 games and started 15 in his NFL career.
But, Dobbs definitely opened the door for Altmyer. Dobbs turned the football over on each of the Lions' first two possessions and was just 7 of 12 passing for 74 yards. Credit to Dobbs for bouncing back with his 50-yard touchdown run, but this backup quarterback competition will carry on into the Lions' preseason finale.
Trending up: RB Trayveon WilliamsTrayveon Williams with the 24-yard chunk on the screen pass. pic.twitter.com/Vfzexzi9tR
— The Lions Wire (@thelionswire) August 22, 2026Signed by the Lions on Aug. 16, Trayveon Williams was one of Detroit's biggest standouts on Saturday. Williams had the nice 24-yard chunk on a screen pass. The 5-foot-8, 206-pound veteran back also had a 1-yard touchdown run.
Williams finished with 36 rushing yards on 10 carries and his 24-yard reception. With Sione Vaki banged up throughout training camp, Williams is giving the Lions staff something to think about in the backfield for its 53-man roster.
Williams has played in 75 NFL regular-season games, totaling 343 rushing yards on 72 carries across time with the Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns.
Trending down: CB Keith Abney IIAfter a terrific performance to open the preseason at the Bengals, Keith Abney II took a step back on Saturday. Abney allowed three receptions on four targets for 56 yards. The 5-foot-9 rookie was also flagged for defensive holding in the first quarter, wiping out a combined sack from Wonnum and Gill-Howard.
Trending up: TE Jackson MeeksLions special teams.
Jackson Meeks knocks it loose and Erick Hunter pounces on the football. pic.twitter.com/6pZ8cd1f5b
Lions head coach Dan Campbell told tight end Jackson Meeks recently that he just continues to get better. Fans got a glimpse of that on Saturday.
Meeks led the Lions in receiving with 33 yards on four grabs. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound tight end also punched the football out late on special teams to help secure the win. Those are the types of plays that help secure roster spots.
Would the Lions consider keeping a fourth tight end on its 53-man roster?
Trending down: CB D.J. Reed's backflipsArguably the scariest moment of the day for Lions fans 😅
Great play from D.J. Reed, though. pic.twitter.com/2IWyOZtEm0
D.J. Reed definitely didn't stick the landing. And he frightened some Lions fans in the process.
After a hamstring injury cost him some time last season and a groin injury throughout camp, Detroit fans are probably good on anymore D.J. Reed gymnastics.
Trending up: DB Avonte MaddoxAvonte Maddox cuts down Craig Reynolds for the TFL 💥 pic.twitter.com/HRBW3rzWS0
— The Lions Wire (@thelionswire) August 22, 2026The Lions' defense turned in a terrific day overall. Just wanted to highlight this awesome TFL by Avonte Maddox.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions trending up, down after Detroit win vs. Commanders
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