Commanders shock Lions with 45-31 NFC Divisional Round win
Jayden Daniels threw for two touchdowns, Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for two scores, and Mike Sainristil recorded two interceptions as the Washington Commanders stunned the top-seeded Detroit Lions with a 45-31 victory in the NFC Divisional Round on Saturday night.
Terry McLaurin and Zach Ertz added touchdown catches, while Jeremy McNichols found the end zone on the ground, securing Washington’s place in the NFC Championship Game. The Commanders, the sixth seed, will face either the Philadelphia Eagles or Los Angeles Rams next Sunday in their first NFC title game appearance since their 1991 Super Bowl-winning season.
Lions Stumble Despite Strong Regular Season
Detroit, which posted a franchise-best 15-2 record in the regular season, struggled with turnovers. Jared Goff threw three interceptions and lost a fumble, while Jameson Williams was picked off on a reverse pass. Jahmyr Gibbs was a standout performer for the Lions, amassing 175 scrimmage yards (105 rushing, 70 receiving) and two touchdowns. Amon-Ra St. Brown also impressed with eight catches for 137 yards, while Sam LaPorta caught a touchdown pass.
Despite their firepower, the Lions’ five turnovers proved costly. "The turnovers were the difference," said Commanders head coach Ron Rivera. "Our defense came up big when it mattered."
Commanders Shine on Both Sides of the Ball
Daniels completed 22 of 31 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns, leading Washington to its second consecutive playoff victory after defeating Tampa Bay in the Wild Card round.
The Commanders extended a 31-28 lead entering the fourth quarter with back-to-back 1-yard rushing touchdowns by Robinson and McNichols. Sainristil's second interception of the game, which came on a trick play, set up one of the scores.
Quan Martin also contributed defensively with a 40-yard pick-six in the second quarter, helping the Commanders capitalize on Detroit’s mistakes.
Explosive First Half
A thrilling first half saw Washington take a 31-21 lead, with Daniels throwing for 242 yards and two touchdowns. After an early 1-yard touchdown by Gibbs, the Commanders answered with a 2-yard run from Robinson. McLaurin then electrified the crowd with a 58-yard touchdown reception, splitting defenders to give Washington the lead.
Detroit briefly fought back, as LaPorta's diving 2-yard touchdown catch and Williams’ 61-yard double-reverse touchdown brought the Lions within striking distance. However, a late touchdown pass from Daniels to Ertz reestablished Washington’s control.
Looking Ahead
With this commanding performance, the Commanders are now one step away from the Super Bowl. "The goal is to keep going and play our best football," Daniels said. "We’re not done yet."
The NFC Championship matchup will depend on the outcome of Sunday’s game between the Eagles and the Rams. Regardless of the opponent, Washington has proven they can deliver on both sides of the ball when it counts.
SportsLigue