Photos and Article By: Aaron J. Thornton
Behind a second-half surge, the Detroit Lions edged past the Washington Commanders 17-13 last weekend in their second preseason game. Both teams once again rested most of their stars, giving rookies and players competing for roster spots an opportunity to prove their value.
Approximately 50,000 fans were on hand at Ford Field for a game that remained up for grabs until the fourth quarter, when Detroit made the plays necessary to secure the victory.
Former Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson returned to Ford Field and immediately made his presence felt. On Detroit’s second play from scrimmage, Robertson sacked quarterback Josh Dobbs and forced a fumble that the Commanders recovered, ultimately turning it into a touchdown. The score gave Washington an early 7-0 lead.
Dobbs later threw an interception before helping turn things around with a stunning 50-yard touchdown run down the sideline. The play came in the second quarter and tied the game at 7-7.
Detroit took control in the second half when running back Trayvon Williams scored on a 1-yard rushing touchdown to give the Lions the lead. Kicker Jake Bates added a field goal later in the game, providing Detroit with some insurance and putting the Commanders behind by four points with less than two and a half minutes remaining.
The Special Teams then forced a crucial fumble on the kickoff return and recovered the ball ultimately sealing the win for the home team.
In his press conference at the training facility on Tuesday, Head Coach Dan Campbell stated there were a lot of spots still open as players continue to fight for a place on the 53-man roster. He also updated the media on a couple injuries on the Defense, mentioning that Linebacker Damone Clark was out indefinitely and Safety Thomas Harper (ankle) could possibly be back this weekend but it was unlikely.
With the victory, Detroit moves to 1-1 in preseason play before traveling to Indiana for their final game this Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts.
