Lions Edge Commanders 17-13 in Preseason Week 3

The Detroit Lions defeated the Washington Commanders 17-13 on Saturday, with Joshua Dobbs’ 53-yard touchdown run providing the defining big play in a tightly contested NFL preseason matchup at Ford Field.

Detroit and Washington were even at 7-7 after the opening quarter, then spent the entire second period locked in a scoreless stalemate. The Lions created separation in the third quarter, matching Washington’s field goal with a touchdown to take a 14-10 lead into the fourth. Both teams added field goals in the final period, but Detroit’s defense preserved the four-point margin through the closing minutes.

For preseason teams, the result matters less than the evaluation opportunities, and this game offered plenty. The Lions moved to 1-1 with their first home victory of the exhibition schedule, while the Commanders also left Detroit at 1-1 after falling to 0-1 on the road.

Key Performers

Joshua Dobbs gave Detroit its most explosive offensive moment. The Lions quarterback led all rushers with just two carries for 53 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by the 53-yard scoring run. That one play accounted for more than three times the Lions’ final margin of victory and helped Detroit answer Washington’s third-quarter field goal with the touchdown that changed the game’s shape.

Athan Kaliakmanis was efficient for Washington. Kaliakmanis completed 11 of 14 passes for 162 yards, a sharp 78.6 percent completion rate. Although the available game data does not list his touchdown or interception totals, he consistently moved the Commanders through the air and helped Washington remain within one score late.

Nick Nash supplied Washington’s biggest receiving production. Nash caught two passes for 62 yards, averaging 31 yards per reception. His ability to create chunk gains gave the Commanders an important vertical element, particularly in a game where points were difficult to find after the first quarter.

The game’s scoring pattern underscored how narrow the difference was. Washington scored in three separate quarters, but Detroit’s seven-point third quarter proved decisive. Neither side found a late touchdown in the fourth, leaving the Commanders to settle for a field goal and a 17-13 final rather than a chance to force a dramatic finish.

Detroit’s ability to hold Washington to three fourth-quarter points was especially valuable after the Commanders had kept the game within reach throughout the afternoon. There was no overtime and no need for a final two-minute comeback: the Lions protected their lead, finished the preseason test, and gave the Ford Field crowd a win.

NerdSports Stat: Joshua Dobbs averaged 26.5 yards per carry, and his 53-yard touchdown run was 31 yards longer than the Lions’ final 17-13 winning margin.

The Lions will carry a 1-1 preseason record into their August 29 home game against the Indianapolis Colts, while Washington heads to Baltimore on August 28 looking to turn a competitive road performance into a win against the Ravens.

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