The Detroit Lions improved their record to 1-1 in the preseason with a 17-13 victory Saturday in their only 2026 preseason contest at Ford Field.
There were several impressive individual performances as players responded to head coach Dan Campbell's challenge of playing better football across the board than they did in their preseason opener in Cincinnati.
"I just thought the guys played fast, and so defensively we were able to play in their territory a ton and keep them backed up," Campbell said after the game. "So that was good. A number of these guys I thought showed up and played at a high level. I can't wait to watch the tape."
Here's a look at five players in particular who stood out to me Saturday vs. Washington:
1. Defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard
Gill-Howard has been one of the best stories in training camp, going from an undersized late-round draft pick to consistent playmaker who has received first-team reps over the last week.
His quickness, technique and motor have served him well and allowed him to play in opposing backfields in practice and Detroit's two preseason games. He was around the football a lot Saturday despite a modest stat line of one tackle for loss and a quarterback hit.
"He's all out and he's got to be right – he does because he's not a huge guy, but he knows who he is and he knows how he has to play and he plays with pride in everything, and he's crafty, he's explosive and he's violent," Campbell said of Gill-Howard's performance Saturday.
2. Tight end Jackson Meeks
Detroit has been pretty consistent with the top three tight end rotation in camp of Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright and Tyler Conklin, but second-year player Meeks has caught the attention of coaches after switching from the big X receiver position as a rookie to tight end this season.
Meeks has made his fair share of plays in practice and was a big factor in Detroit's win Saturday with a couple huge plays in the fourth quarter. He had a first-down catch on a fourth-down play that helped lead to a Jake Bates field goal.
He then hustled down on the ensuing kickoff, getting his hand on the football and forcing a fumble that was recovered by teammate Erick Hunter. It allowed Detroit to run out the clock and preserve the win. He recorded four catches for 33 yards in the game.
3. Cornerback D.J. Reed
Reed was among a handful of starters who got playing time Saturday. Last year was a tale of two seasons for Reed – pre hamstring injury and post injury. He was never really the same player after the injury that forced him to miss six games. He lost his burst and never got it back.
Reed spoke earlier in camp about feeling back to himself and it was good watching him run around making plays against the Commanders. He finished with four tackles, including two tackles for loss.
The Lions need Reed to play consistent football with the other question marks surrounding the secondary heading into the start of the regular season.
4. Edge rushers Derrick Moore & DJ Wonnum
I know this is cheating fitting them both in here, but coaches are excited about what these two might provide opposite All-Pro Aidan Hutchinson. Lions fans got a sneak peek Saturday against the Commanders with both edge rushers recording a sack.
Moore missed time in camp with a groin injury, but has looked terrific since returning to practice about a week ago. His athleticism and juice off the edge make him intriguing. Wonnum has the length and experience the Lions value in that spot, and he has also been productive getting to the quarterback in practice.
It looks like Detroit has some built some nice depth and playmaking ability in the edge rusher room.
5. Running back Trayveon Williams
It's a tough battle right now for what's likely going to be one roster spot at running back behind Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco and Sione Vaki. Jacob Saylors has had a nice camp and has the advantage of being in the system for a year and having a big role on special teams.
Williams, who just signed with Detroit a week ago, showed some physicality and toughness running the ball against Washington. He led all running backs with 36 rushing yards and had a one-yard touchdown run. His 24-yard reception on a screen pass helped set up his own touchdown run six plays later.
I thought all of Detroit's running backs played well Saturday and there are some difficult decisions upcoming regarding that position.
"It feels very interesting right now, especially after that performance by some of these guys," Campbell said. "So, that was good to see."
