The Detroit Lions picked up their first win of the preseason last Saturday, defeating the Washington Commanders, 17-13.
It offered players fighting for a roster spot another opportunity to make their case while a few projected starters offered glimpses of what may come in the regular season. Dan Campbell and the Lions' coaching staff will need to make difficult roster decisions in the coming days.
Several of the game's most impressive performances came on defense for the Lions. Detroit limited Washington to 35 rushing yards on 17 attempts. The Lions' defense also generated two sacks and recorded six quarterback hits during the contest.
Offensively, second-year guard Tate Ratledge continued to provide encouraging signs for the Lions' retooled offensive
line.
Here are some PFF grades and statistics that stood out from the Lions' second preseason game:
CB D.J. Reed: 77.7 overall defensive grade
D.J. Reed surrendered just one reception for six yards to Washington across 15 coverage snaps. Reed also recorded four tackles and two tackles for loss during his time on the field.
The veteran's efficient performance is a promising sign for the Lions, who are depleted in the secondary after injuries have sidelined key contributors.
OL Tate Ratledge: 76.7 overall offensive grade
Arguably the most encouraging performance by an offensive player came from right guard Tate Ratledge. The second-year lineman did not surrender a single quarterback pressure, hit or sack on Saturday and posted a 72.0 PFF run-block grade.
Ratledge appears capable of becoming one of the stabilizing pieces on a rebuilt Lions offensive line.
EDGE Derrick Moore: 70.9 overall defensive grade
For his debut, Derrick Moore's 70.9 overall defensive grade was a terrific start. Moore registered a pair of pressures, including his strip-sack fumble of Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman. His performance netted him a 73.7 pass rushing grade from PFF.
After a groin injury sidelined him from the Lions' first preseason game, Moore has now missed each of Detroit's final two training camp practices with an undisclosed injury. Campbell said that Moore could be back as early as next week. Based on Moore's outing against Washington, the Michigan product looks like he can definitely be a defensive difference maker early in his career so long as his health holds up.
LB Erick Hunter: 87.0 overall defensive grade
One of Detroit's highest-overall defensive grades in Week 2 of the preseason was produced by Erick Hunter. Hunter registered an 87.0 overall defensive grade and a 71.9 special teams grade. It was in limited defensive action, though. Hunter logged six defensive snaps and 13 special teams snaps.
An undrafted rookie out of Morgan State, Hunter is becoming one of Detroit's most intriguing roster-bubble players. He capped Saturday's performance by recovering a fourth-quarter fumble forced by Jackson Meeks on kickoff coverage.
Campbell has praised the rookie's development during camp, highlighting his athleticism, work ethic and production on special teams. With veteran linebacker Damone Clark's placement on injured reserve, Hunter could make a legitimate push for Detroit's 53-man roster and certainly for a practice squad slot.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: 4 PFF grades that stood out from Lions' win vs. Commanders
