“`html
In a surprising turn of events, Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders, who had nothing to lose, sent the top-seeded Detroit Lions packing in the playoffs. Daniels threw for two touchdowns, while rookie teammate Mike Sainristil showcased his skills by intercepting two passes, helping the Commanders defeat the Lions 45-31 on Saturday night. This victory propelled Washington into the NFC Championship game for the first time in 33 years, after their last Super Bowl win.
“It’s a surreal moment,” Daniels expressed following the game. The sixth-seeded Commanders (14-5), labeled as nearly double-digit underdogs against the favored Lions (15-3), fought against skepticism all season long, overcoming the obstacles that came with a new coaching staff, quarterback, and general manager.
Daniels remarked, “I always believed that we could achieve more than people give us credit for.” The Lions, who topped the NFC for the first time with a record-shattering 15 wins, spoiled their chances for an anticipated berth by committing five turnovers throughout the game.
“This isn’t the time to talk about what a great year we had and all the wins,” Lions coach Dan Campbell stated, highlighting their disappointment. “We’re here to get to the show, and we fell short. That hurts.” Sainristil, fresh off winning a national title at Michigan, made a key interception late in the game, catching a trick play involving receiver Jameson Williams attempting to throw into coverage.
“Mike is somebody that he’s hard to fool,” commented Commanders coach Dan Quinn. Additionally, Quan Martin returned a pick 40 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, giving Washington a significant edge with a score of 24-14. Jared Goff, the Lions’ quarterback, struggled with three interceptions and a fumble, leading to three turnovers during a disastrous first half. Although Goff completed 23 of 40 attempts for 313 yards and had a touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta, the turnovers ultimately doomed the Lions’ chances.
Daniels ended the night with 299 passing yards, 51 rushing yards, and most importantly, no turnovers. “He has a different poise,” said Quinn. “He’s a rare competitor.” With this victory, Daniels made history as the second rookie quarterback to defeat a top-seeded team, joining Joe Flacco, who managed a similar feat in 2009.
Receiver Terry McLaurin, who turned one of Daniels’ short passes into a 58-yard touchdown, added, “Nothing surprises me with him.” After leading Washington to their first playoff win in almost two decades the previous week, Daniels and the Commanders showed resilience with this latest victory, marking their sixth comeback of the season.
During the game, the Commanders successfully converted 3 of 4 fourth-down attempts and displayed remarkable performance that overwhelmed the Lions. “Give them credit,” Campbell acknowledged. “They earned that game, and we didn’t.” The second quarter was particularly memorable, as Washington outscored Detroit 28-14—setting a record for the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff history—and finished the half with a 31-21 lead.
Daniels achieved an impressive 242 passing yards in the first half alone, setting a rookie playoff record just a week after leading his team in both passing and rushing yards in a playoff game. The former LSU standout, picked second overall in the draft, completed 22 of his 31 throws, which included a long touchdown connection with McLaurin and a 5-yard throw to Zach Ertz.
Brian Robinson contributed with 77 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs also had a noteworthy performance with 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns, in addition to Amon-Ra St. Brown’s eight receptions for 137 yards. Goff had a turnover in the first quarter when he fumbled in a collapsing pocket on a crucial third-and-1 play. Washington capitalized on the mistake, and Daniels helped extend a promising drive that ended with Robinson’s touchdown run.
Shortly after Daniels’ touchdown pass to McLaurin, Goff threw an ill-timed pass intended for a different receiver, which Martin intercepted and returned for a touchdown, extending their lead to 24-14. Following that play, Goff took a hit and was later assessed for a concussion. Unfortunately for the Lions, their defense struggled throughout, enabling Washington to set a new high for points in a game this season.
The Lions made a strong start in the second half, forcing the Commanders to punt for the first time and then driving 76 yards for a touchdown. However, any momentum was quickly lost when Washington engineered a 15-play, 70-yard touchdown drive, which was aided by a penalty on Detroit for having too many players on the field.
Injury-wise, the Commanders faced a setback with offensive guard Sam Cosmi hurt during Robinson’s early touchdown run. Meanwhile, the Lions sustained injuries to cornerback Amik Robertson, who broke his arm, in addition to missing offensive guard Kevin Zeitler due to a hamstring issue.
Looking ahead, Washington will face the winner of the upcoming Los Angeles Rams versus Philadelphia Eagles matchup next Sunday, vying for a chance to compete in the Super Bowl.
“`
