The Washington Commanders did it. They beat the No. 1 seeded Detroit Lions in Detroit to advance to the NFC Championship Game.
The final score did not accurately describe both teams’ fight. Despite the slow 7-3 start, the game was back and forth as the Lions surrendered several blunders.
There were offensive and defensive struggles throughout the game. The Commanders played an impressive game, displaying football skills and knowledge, but what went wrong for the Lions?
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What went wrong?
Five Turnovers
While not ideal, the Lions came back from just as many against the Texans. The circumstances of the turnovers were different this week. Interceptions were thrown throughout the last three quarters, including a game-sealing pick in the final minute.
They lost any momentum they had gained from quick possessions and touchdowns. In turn, the commanders were productive with each turnover. After each takeaway, they either scored a touchdown or ended the half. Unfortunately, the Lions were unable to produce a takeaway of their own.
Defensive Holes
There were holes on the roster and the field. Amik Robertson left the game right away with a broken arm. But one guy does not stop a whole team. The secondary struggled to break up passes. Joseph and Branch were not their typical duo. Jayden Daniels could read the defensive movements and accurately moved the ball to the open option.
Comfort
The Commanders are a good team, and they played like one. Their defense was ready to force turnovers. Mike Sainristil was on top of his interceptions.
In this interception, he was ready for it. He had the speed, and Williams never saw it coming.
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What went right?
Ball movement
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When it came time, the Lions got down the field. Despite having a shorter time of possession, the Lions earned more yards and first downs. The offense clicked together. It slowed down when the Commanders’ defense got a hold of it, but that didn’t stop them from trying again. The Lions’ scoring possessions were around three minutes long. Their ability to keep the ball rolling on big plays kept them alive as the clock neared zero.
Fight
The Lions never lost hope. They kept fighting. Nobody wearing Honolulu Blue on that field stopped fighting until Jayden Daniels took a knee. Jared Goff came back onto the field after every turnover. Every receiver fought to get the ball down the field. Every coach had a victory game plan. A team won’t play like the Lions did down 45-28 unless they believe in themselves.
Dan Campbell, Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, Dave Fipp, and many others trained a great football team with talent, strength, and grit.
Post Post-Season Time
The Lions now enter the offseason. Players will go for free agency, and coordinators will be offered head coaching jobs.
Many have said, “This is the Lions year.” Well maybe it was, but so can next year. There is still work to be done, so keep following to see what the Lions have in store in just a few short months.
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