DETROIT — Jaden Daniels threw two touchdowns in a complete Washington rookie performance and the Commanders dominated the Detroit Lions 45-31 on Saturday night for the first time since winning the Super Bowl 33 years ago. They advanced to the NFC Championship Game.
The sixth-seeded Commanders (14-5) trailed the Super Bowl favorites the Lions (15-3) by nearly double digits, but with a new quarterback, new coach and general manager, they have been the same all season. I overcame my doubts.
Detroit, the NFC's No. 1 seed for the first time, squandered its chances with five comebacks.
Washington rookie Mike Sainristil had two interceptions, including one on a trick play in the fourth quarter when receiver Jameson Williams threw into coverage.
Quan Martin then returned a pick 40 yards for a touchdown.
Jared Goff threw three picks, lost a fumble and was turned over three times in an unfortunate first half.
Daniels finished with 299 yards passing and 51 yards rushing, but just as importantly, he didn't turn the ball over.
Last week, first-year coach Dan Quinn led Washington to its first playoff victory in 19 years.
The Managers defeated Tampa Bay for their sixth come-from-behind victory and fifth consecutive victory on the final play from either regulation scrimmage or overtime.
The managers, who converted three of their four fourth downs, did not allow Detroit to get that close.
Washington outscored Detroit 28-14 in the second quarter, the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff history, and led 31-21 at halftime.
