The Washington Commanders took a 17-13 loss to the Detroit Lions in their second preseason game on Saturday, but that score hardly tells the full story. The real head-scratcher? Washington’s offensive starters, the healthy ones anyway, were done after just three plays. Quarterback Jayden Daniels got pressured on first down, forcing a throwaway, then took a sack on second down when both tight ends missed their blocks. Head coach Dan Quinn pulled the plug right there, and you gotta wonder if he saw that inability to protect Daniels and said, “Enough is enough.”
A Rookie QB Steps Up as Battle Lines Are Drawn
While the first-team offense had a rough go, some guys absolutely made their presence felt. Athan Kaliakmanis came off the bench and looked absolutely dialed in, completing 11 of 14 passes for 162 yards. He’s got confidence, he’s comfortable in the pocket, and he’s putting the ball right where receivers can run with it. You saw it on that throw and catch to Nick Nash. It’s early, but he’s making a case. Then there’s rookie third-round pick Antonio Williams, who snagged two passes for 41 yards. One catch especially stood out: he went up in traffic, pulled it down with his hands knowing he was about to get leveled. That’s how you earn a QB’s trust, playing bigger than your size. And don’t sleep on undrafted rookie Jaden Bradley. It’s almost unfair how much talent Washington has at receiver, because Bradley is a straight-up standout. He shined in OTAs, kept it going in camp, and even has veteran Terry McLaurin mentoring him. Last week, he almost blocked multiple punts, and against the Lions? A one-handed grab that was just sick.
Defense Delivered, Fighting for Spots
On the defensive side, the youth movement is real too. Rookie edge rusher Joshua Josephs has had a phenomenal camp and flashed again. On Washington’s very first defensive series, Josephs beat his man, pressured Lions QB Joshua Dobbs, and that led directly to Amik Robertson’s sack and forced fumble. Josephs then hustled and recovered the ball for a touchdown! You gotta watch his snap count on the replay, it’s impressive. Yeah, Dobbs did break off a long touchdown run on him later, but that hustle for the score shows you what he’s made of. Then there’s Maurice Hurst, a 31-year-old veteran signed just this week after Johnny Newton tore his pec. What a first impression! Hurst racked up five tackles, including two for loss and two sacks. He’s still got a fight for a roster spot, but with Newton sidelined, that door is wide open now. Linebacker Ale Kaho also made a big statement, leading all players with six tackles. Just like last preseason, Kaho is pushing hard for that 53-man roster, earning it on special teams and everywhere else. His inclusion could come down to Washington keeping five or six linebackers, possibly battling his former UCLA teammate Kain Medrano for that final spot.
These guys are laying it all out there. With the starters looking shaky in protection and rookies shining, the roster battles are heating up big time as the regular season inches closer. Every snap matters right now for these players trying to make the cut.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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