Detroit Lions hosted Washington in the NFC Divisional Round. Detroit’s confidence was high, as it was coming off a bye, and being one of two teams to average more than 400 yards per game. As the most favored team of the weekend, this loss is one of the most heartbreaking in Lions history. How did the hottest team in the league go from making history to a two-possession, first-round loss against a rookie quarterback?
In the big picture, the Lions outperformed their injury issues, including 16 players on the injured reserve heading into the Divisional Round. Most of those players are on defense, including star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and 11 other defensive players. Considering the turnover, their 20th-ranked defense isn’t necessarily bad, but it was no match for Washington’s offense. The Commanders’ also benefitted from their own defense, including four interceptions and a lost fumble.
Credit must be given to Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who outplayed Jared Goff. Daniels was 22/31 for 299 yards through the air, and added 51 rush yards. Most importantly, he took care of the ball in veteran-like fashion, throwing two touchdowns with no turnovers. One can expect great things from Daniels and the Commanders shortly. This is a rookie year that’s hard to come by.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff led one of the top two offenses this season, resulting in the number one seed, a first-round bye, and becoming the betting favorite to win the Super Bowl. Goff choked under the pressure, throwing up three interceptions, including a pick-six, and losing possession on a fumble.
Goff had only one passing touchdown, and the Lions were forced to rely on their run game for points. Detroit hoped the veteran QB would take care of the ball, but he let them down. Considering Goff had one TD to two interceptions in the last week of the season and was limited to 1.3 touchdowns per game in 2023 postseason, there could be concern for the Lions.
The Lions have made their identity clear, with aggressive offense and pushing traditional play calling. They also have a deep bag of trick plays. When does the aggression and trickery work, and when is the juice not worth the squeeze? These are some questions and inconsistencies in this game alone.
Just 45 seconds into the second half, the Lions’ defense found themselves in a fourth-and-two on their five-yard line, with Washington going for the TD. Down only three points at the time, with a chance to keep it a one-possession game, they would get called for too many men on the field.
After two interceptions and a pick-six to start the game, the Lions found themselves down ten points at the half. With 12:13 remaining in the third quarter, they would make the questionable decision to have wide receiver Jameson Williams throw a long pass attempt. This pass was intercepted, and Washington turned that into seven points.
With 5:01 remaining in the third quarter, down by 17 points, when aggression is to be expected, they decided to accept the field goal on fourth-and-eight. The Lions would go for it on fourth down twice on their following drive but down fewer points, compared to the conservative fourth down calls earlier in the game. Are they an aggressive team, or a conservative team? They seemed to choose at random.
After everything went so well, things fell apart at the worst time. Is Goff elite enough to perform under pressure? How much of their defensive struggles are from injuries versus play calling? Even when healthy they could use some help defensively. It will be interesting to see the Lions’ offseason moves, and if the play callers come into next year with a different mindset.
Howe Fresh
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