The Detroit Lions could not have drawn up a much worse start to Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Washington Commanders.

On Detroit’s second offensive play of the game, former Lions cornerback Amik Robertson came screaming into the backfield and strip-sacked Josh Dobbs, knocking the football loose in the end zone. Washington recovered for a touchdown and an immediate 7-0 lead.

Dobbs initially tried to escape the pocket after offensive tackle Larry Borom was beaten on the play, but he never saw Robertson closing from behind. Robertson finished the job, and Washington turned Detroit’s protection breakdown into seven points.

The play was particularly painful for the Lions because of who made it.

Robertson spent the previous two seasons in Detroit before joining Washington this offseason. His departure also left Detroit searching for another defensive back capable of filling some of the versatile responsibilities Robertson handled in Kelvin Sheppard’s defense, something Sheppard discussed earlier this offseason.

For Dobbs, it was an ugly beginning to an important afternoon.

Detroit signed the veteran quarterback earlier this month following Teddy Bridgewater’s retirement, and Saturday represents his biggest opportunity yet to make his case for the backup job behind Jared Goff. The Lions confirmed before the game that Dobbs would start and share quarterback duties with rookie Luke Altmyer.

The turnover shouldn’t be pinned entirely on Dobbs. Borom losing quickly off the edge put the quarterback in immediate trouble, but Dobbs also has to protect the football once the play breaks down.

And Robertson certainly didn’t mind providing his former team with the reminder.

Two offensive snaps. One strip-sack. Seven points for Washington.

That’s about as emphatic a Ford Field homecoming as Robertson could have scripted.