Detroit Lions Risers, Fallers After Defeating Commanders
Examining Detroit Lions players who improved their stock and those that hurt their chances of making the 53-man roster after defeating the Commanders in the preseason.
Video Transcript
Let's take a look at who improved their stock and who didn't for the Detroit Lions against the Washington Commanders.
I'm John Macaroon, reporting for Detroit Lions on SI.
The Lions returned home for the first time in the preseason to face the Commander's team.
We're able to leave Victoria 17-13, and a handful of players really showcased that, hey, they need to be paid attention to for the rest of training camp and and hopefully the preseason finale against the Colts.
Derrick Moore, who had battled a groin injury, really showcased why the Lions were willing to trade up to take him in the second.
Around, had pressure, had a sack, and you see that potentially.
If all goes right with Derrick Moore, if he meets his potential over the next couple of seasons, he can be a legitimate option, opposite of Aiden Hutchinson in terms of securing a hefty amount of pass rush, pressure, sacks.
So a good showing for Derrick Moore.
Skyler Gill Howard continues to showcase improvement all throughout training camp, making his name.
Known, developing a leadership style before the game, breaking down the huddle.
You realize this is a player that is freakishly athletic, has the potential to really make a lot of noise, and you realize, by and large, the Lions' defense was able to step up.
Another player who raised his stock was tight end Jackson Meeks.
With Sam LaPorta out.
And dealing with a hip injury, a player that has been converted from a wide receiver to now a full-time tight end, he's just been steadily improving day by day, day by day.
Unfortunately, really, two players did not really acclimate well and did not play that all that well.
In the Commander's game one being Colby Sorsdah, the offensive lineman who dealt with injury last year, and you realize he's, he's gonna be battling scuffling.
He really hasn't had a clear role all along the Lions offensive line.
They've been trying him in multiple different spots.
He did not play well.
The Lions' offensive line in terms of the reserves, by and large as a group, did not play well.
Seth McLaughlin struggled and gave up pressures and sacks against the commanders.
And then you realize that.
A player that needs to step up and showcase why the Lions are going to invest a backup spot.
I truly believe that Josh Dobbs is gonna win the backup job, but the throw that he made in terms of throwing against his body was really quite awful.
That's just what everybody kind of noticed was what they would describe as a rookie mistake.
The first fumble was not his fault, there was pressure coming early in his face, poor offensive line blocking, but the interception.
It was really quite disturbing in terms of just the decision making at that time in the game, didn't secure the football and didn't keep, you know, the offense momentum, trying to build it after the Lions gave up an early touchdown, uh, when he was hit, fumbled, and the commanders recovered the football scored.
The second offensive possession, Josh.
Really made an errant throw.
Now, he did settle in and had a semi-decent performance against the commanders , but he's got to showcase a lot more, especially with Luke Altmeyer now continuing to develop.
And look, Josh Dobbs is expected to land the backup job, but he's got to play a lot better, um, moving forward, protecting the football.
But he did again, settle in.
After the Aran throw, but, um, early on in the game, not the best decision for Josh Dobson.
You expect to see more of him if he gets more snaps this week.
Those are the winners and losers from the Lions game against the Commanders.
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