The Washington Commanders face their first real preseason measuring stick Saturday against the Detroit Lions, and there are several players Sean Anderson believes need to show something before the regular season gets closer. Washington beat the Miami Dolphins in its preseason opener, but Detroit presents a different kind of test. Sean breaks down what Commanders fans should actually be watching, from intriguing young offensive players to Sonny Styles and a defense that needs to show improvement. It starts in the backfield with Robert Henry Jr. and Kaytron Allen. Henry generated excitement with his performance against Miami, but can he prove that wasn't just one impressive preseason showing? Allen brings a different skill set as a bigger, more physical running back, and Saturday could give Washington another opportunity to determine exactly how he fits into the offense. The Commanders also need more separation at wide receiver. Beyond Washington's established options, Sean wants to see someone emerge from a group that includes Luke McCaffrey, Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown and Jaylin Lane. Who can become a legitimate role player? Who can stretch the field? And which receiver can give offensive coordinator David Blough something specific enough to build a package around? One of the biggest evaluations comes at left tackle. With Laremy Tunsil sidelined after suffering a torn triceps, Brandon Coleman has moved back to tackle. The Commanders believe Coleman can handle the position, but Sean wants Detroit's pass rush to test him. Protecting Jayden Daniels will be one of Washington's biggest priorities this season, which makes finding a trustworthy solution at left tackle critical. Defensively, attention turns toward the pass rush and first-round linebacker Sonny Styles. Styles played only one drive against Miami and has admitted he wasn't satisfied with his preseason debut. Sean wants Washington to give him more opportunities against Detroit and allow him to react to an experienced NFL quarterback and offense in live action. Ultimately, this game is about more than one player. Sean views Detroit as a legitimate measuring stick for Washington's overall depth, coaching and preparation. If the Commanders expect to remain in the NFC playoff conversation this season, they need young players and backups capable of keeping the team competitive when injuries inevitably arrive. Washington doesn't need to dominate Detroit in a preseason game. But Sean believes they need to look prepared, competitive and clean. What are YOU watching closest against the Lions? Drop your answer and score prediction in the comments. Sean Anderson covers the Washington Commanders for A to Z Sports with analysis, opinions, roster breakdowns and the biggest storylines surrounding Washington throughout the NFL season. Subscribe for more Commanders coverage. 0:00 Commanders vs. Lions Preseason Preview 0:16 Can Robert Henry Jr. Do It Again? 1:17 What Washington Has In Kaytron Allen 2:17 Commanders WR Battle Needs Separation 3:59 Brandon Coleman Faces A BIG Test 5:08 Commanders Pass Rush vs. Detroit 6:25 Washington's Defense Needs To Respond 7:52 What We Need To See From Sonny Styles 9:49 Why Detroit Is A REAL Measuring Stick #Commanders #WashingtonCommanders #NFL #SonnyStyles #CommandersNews Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: Subscribe to the channel if you enjoy the content, and hit that like button! Facebook: Instagram: TikTok: Twitter/X:
