The Detroit Lions swept their franchise-record 15 regular season wins down the 8-mile road.
With a heartbreaking 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders on Saturday, the Lions saw their best regular season in franchise history go to waste.
Jaden Daniels threw two touchdowns in a flawless performance by Washington's bright rookie, and the Commanders advanced to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since winning the Super Bowl 33 years ago.
“It's a surreal moment,” Daniels said.
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Washington Commanders #5 Jayden Daniels celebrates with Terry McLaurin #17 after defeating the Detroit Lions 45-31 in the NFC Regional Playoffs at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Nick Antaya/Getty Images)
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.
“We always believed we could accomplish more than people give us credit for,” Daniels said.
Detroit, the NFC's No. 1 seed for the first time, squandered its chances with five comebacks.
“When you turn the ball over five times against a team like that, it's hard to win,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said.
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.
He became the second rookie quarterback to defeat a top-seeded team, following Joe Flacco, who led Baltimore to a victory over Tennessee on January 10, 2009.
“Nothing about him surprises me,” said receiver Terry McLaurin, who connected on a short pass from Daniels for a 58-yard touchdown.
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.
“Give them credit,” Campbell said. “They won that game, we didn't.”
Washington outscored Detroit 28-14 in the second quarter, the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff history, and led 31-21 at halftime.
Daniels had 242 passing yards in the first half, setting a rookie record one week after becoming the first rookie to lead the team in rushing and passing yards in a playoff win.
The former LSU star, who was selected No. 2 overall, completed 22 of 31 attempts, including a long TD on a screen to McLaurin and a score on a 5-yard throw to Zach Ertz in the second quarter.
Brian Robinson ran for 77 yards and two touchdowns.
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No. 5 Jaden Daniels of the Washington Commanders is tackled by No. 46 Jack Campbell of the Detroit Lions during the third quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoffs at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. . (Gregory Shams/Getty Images)
Goff went 23 of 40 for 313 yards with a touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta, giving the Lions their last lead midway through the second quarter.
Detroit's Jahmil Gibbs ran for 105 yards and two touchdowns, and Amon-Ra St. Brown had eight receptions for 137 yards.
Washington seized the advantage late in the first quarter when Goff fumbled in a crumbling pocket on a third-and-one from the Commanders' 17.
Daniels made a fourth-and-3 from the Detroit 9 and extended the drive with Robinson's 2-yard touchdown run.
Three snaps after Daniels' TD throw to McLaurin, Goff beat his intended target and Martin intercepted it and took it into the end zone, giving the Commanders a 24-14 lead. Goff was diagnosed with a concussion after taking a hit from linebacker Frankie Luv on the return of an interception.
With backup Teddy Bridgewater under center, Williams scored on a 61-yard reverse.
But Detroit's defense couldn't stop the managers all night. Washington had its highest score of the season.
The Lions had a chance to close the gap late in the first half, but Goff's pass over deep center was picked up by Ristil in the end zone.
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#5 Jaden Daniels of the Washington Commanders throws the ball against #99 Za'Darius Smith of the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoffs at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. Let it run. (Nick Antaya/Getty Images)
Detroit started the second half strong, forcing Washington to punt for the first time and gaining 76 yards in 11 plays on the ensuing drive, culminating with Gibbs' 8-yard run for his second touchdown, making it 31-28. .
But the Lions didn't skimp on defense for long.
Washington had a 15-play, 70-yard touchdown drive, extended by having 12 people on the field as Detroit faced 4th-and-2 of 5, with Robinson's second short touchdown run. The commander regained a 10-point lead.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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