The Detroit Lions snagged a 17-13 preseason win over the Washington Commanders on Saturday afternoon, but it was what we saw from the defensive line that really tells the story. With big names like Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and Jack Campbell all getting some well-deserved rest on the sidelines, it was time for other guys to step up. And boy, did they ever, especially on the edge.
The Edge Rushers Detroit Fans Have Been Waiting For
Lions fans have been screaming for more playmakers opposite Aidan Hutchinson on the defensive line for years, right? Well, the front office finally listened and made some moves. They inked EDGE DJ Wonnum to a one-year deal this offseason, and then grabbed EDGE Derrick Moore in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Wonnum has been the presumed starter in training camp, and in his first preseason appearance, he showed exactly why. He racked up two tackles and a sack in just the first half alone, proving he’s ready to roll.
But let’s talk about the rookie, Derrick Moore. This kid missed some time early on, including the first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, because of a groin injury. Since he got back to practice, he’s been earning a ton of press, and in his debut, he absolutely made an impact. Moore finished the game with two tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Oh, and get this: he had another sack wiped away by a penalty. You gotta love that kind of motor and instant production from a second-round pick, especially when some of the vets were chilling in street clothes. EDGE Eric O’Neil was also out there, contributing to that new depth.
What This Means for the Regular Season
This Commanders game might have been Josh Dobbs starting at quarterback and a lot of starters getting a break, but it was far from meaningless. For guys fighting for roster spots, it was a massive opportunity to stack good days or deliver that breakout performance that makes coaches rethink everything. And for the starters who did play, like most of the presumed starting offensive line, it was crucial to build more chemistry and get those live bullets thrown their way before the regular season kicks off. The win was cool, but the real takeaway is that Detroit might actually have some valuable depth on the defensive edge. That’s a huge boost as they head into the grind of the regular season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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