Detroit — Whether it’s the playoffs, regular season or preseason, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell will never turn down a win.
His team’s ability to overcome a little adversity, consistently move the ball on the ground and play fundamentally sound defense didn’t hurt, either.
After turning it over twice in the first five minutes of Saturday’s preseason contest with the Washington Commanders — including a fumble that was recovered in the end zone by the opposition — the Lions settled down to repel the visitors at Ford Field, 17-13.
Detroit ran for 169 yards and two touchdowns in the victory, while holding the Commanders offense to nine first downs, six points and 243 yards of total offense.
Here’s a quick recap of the action:
Starters/Inactives
Offense: Josh Dobbs, Jacob Saylors, Isaac TeSlaa, Tay Martin, Brock Wright, Tyler Conklin, Blake Miller, Tate Ratledge, Juice Scruggs, Christian Mahogany and Larry Borom.
Defense: DJ Wonnum, Derrick Moore, Tyleik Williams, Levi Onwuzurike, Devin White, Derrick Barnes, Rock Ya-Sin, DJ Reed, Christian Izien, Avonte Maddox, Chuck Clark
Not in uniform: Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco, Sione Vaki, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, Penei Sewell, Cade Mays, Ben Bartch, Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Payton Turner, Jack Campbell, Damone Clark, Jimmy Rolder, Thomas Harper
Scoring summary
First quarter
● 14:09 - On Detroit’s second offensive snap, former Lions cornerback Amik Robertson came on a blitz, delivering a big hit to Dobbs that forced a fumble. After both teams initially struggled to corral the bounding ball, linebacker Joshua Josephs eventually secured the fumble in the end zone for a Washington touchdown. COMMANDERS 7, LIONS 0
● 6:38 — Moving the ball to midfield with a pair of first downs, the Lions ran a zone read on third-and-3. When Washington’s end crashed on the back, Dobbs kept the ball around the left edge, picked up a key second-level block from Conklin and raced 50 yards for the tying score. LIONS 7, COMMANDERS 7
Second quarter
● None
Third quarter
● 8:45 — Washington opened the second half by going on a lengthy march into the red zone, but stalled out shy of the goal line after a false start penalty and an effective blitz by linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez on third-and-long rushed a short throw that was stopped short of the sticks. That led to a chip shot field goal for Drew Stevens to put Washington back up front. COMMANDERES 10, LIONS 7
● 0:09 — Taking over near midfield following a three-and-out and punt, the Lions needed just seven plays to take their first lead of the afternoon. Running back Trayveon Williams started the drive with a 24-yard screen pass and capped it with three straight carries, including a 1-yard score up the gut. LIONS 14, COMMANDERS 10
Fourth quarter
● 12:02 — After allowing a 55-yard bomb to wide receiver Nick Nash, the Lions buckled down and limited Washington to a 32-yard Stevens field goal. LIONS 14, COMMANDERS 13
● 2:26 — Inheriting the ball in Washington territory after a turnover on downs, the Lions offense killed more than four minutes off the game clock before extending their advantage to four with a 37-yard Jake Bates field goal. LIONS 17, COMMANDERS 13
Turnovers
● First, quarter, 14:09 — Dobbs coughed up the fumble that resulted in the touchdown early in the opening frame.
● First quarter, 11:31 — Rolling out of the pocket on a third-down snap, Dobbs overthrew Tay Martin on a crossbody throw, putting the ball into the chest of Washington safety Quan Martin for an interception.
● Fourth quarter, 2:15 — With the Lions holding a four-point edge, Jackson Meeks forced a fumble on a kickoff which was recovered by Detroit linebacker Eric Hunter at Washington’s 25-yard line.
Key stats
● The Lions rotated quarterback reps, with Dobbs handling the first and third quarters and undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer taking over for the second and fourth frames.
Dobbs completed 7-of-12 for 74 yards and the interception. He also had two carries for 53 yards, highlighted by the long touchdown.
Altmyer was poised, connecting on 9-of-13 for 86 yards without a touchdown or interception.
● Missing the team’s top three backs, the carries were split between four players. The newest member of the rotation, Williams, paced the group with 10 carries for 36 yards and a touchdown. He also added the 24-yard gain on the screen.
● Meeks led the Lions with four catches for 33 yards on six targets. Other players with multiple receptions included Conklin, Wilson and Lucky Jackson.
● Three Detroit defenders — D.J. Reed, Chuck Clark and Nick Whiteside — were credited with four tackles. Two of Reed’s stops were for a loss. In terms of sacks, rookie Derrick Moore and DJ Wonnum each got to Washington’s quarterbacks once.
Injuries
● Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson exited in the opening quarter with a leg injury. He limped off the field and was evaluated on the sideline for several minutes before being taken inside the locker room.
● Offensive lineman Michael Niese hobbled off the field late in the third quarter and was taken to the locker room via a cart a few minutes later.
Next game
Detroit will close its preseason slate against the Colts in Indianapolis next Saturday, Aug. 29, at 1 p.m.