Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders pulled off a stunning upset, sending the top-seeded Detroit Lions packing with a 45-31 victory on Saturday night.
Daniels dazzled with two touchdown passes, and rookie Mike Sainristil’s two interceptions sealed the deal, propelling Washington to its first NFC championship game since their Super Bowl win 33 years ago.
“This is surreal,” Daniels said after the game.
Commanders Defy the Odds
The sixth-seeded Commanders (14-5), heavy underdogs against the Lions (15-3), silenced critics in a season of overachievement under a new quarterback, coach, and general manager. Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick, showcased poise and talent, throwing for 299 yards and rushing for 51 more without a turnover.
“We always believed we could do more than anyone expected,” Daniels said.
Detroit, the NFC’s top team with a franchise-best 15 wins, was undone by five turnovers, including three interceptions and a fumble by quarterback Jared Goff.
“This isn’t the time to reflect on what we achieved,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “We’re here to win, and we fell short. That hurts.”
Key Plays and Record-Setting Moments
Sainristil, a rookie fresh off a national championship at Michigan, grabbed his second interception off a trick-play pass by Jameson Williams in the fourth quarter. The Commanders also capitalized on a Goff overthrow in the second quarter when Quan Martin returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown, giving Washington a 24-14 lead.
Daniels became just the second rookie quarterback in NFL history to knock off a No. 1 seed, joining Joe Flacco in 2009. His 242 first-half passing yards set a rookie playoff record, including a 58-yard touchdown screen to Terry McLaurin and a 5-yard strike to Zach Ertz.
Washington’s 28-point second quarter set an NFL playoff record and gave the Commanders a 31-21 halftime lead.
Commanders Seal the Victory
Despite a strong start to the second half by Detroit, capped by Jahmyr Gibbs’ second touchdown to cut the lead to 31-28, Washington responded with a commanding 15-play, 70-yard drive. Detroit’s defense faltered again, committing a penalty for too many men on the field that extended the drive and set up Brian Robinson’s second touchdown.
Robinson finished with 77 rushing yards and two scores, while Detroit’s Gibbs ran for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Amon-Ra St. Brown had eight catches for 137 yards in a losing effort for the Lions.
Injuries Take a Toll
The Commanders lost OG Sam Cosmi to a leg injury in the second quarter. For Detroit, CB Amik Robertson broke his arm early, and other key players, including OG Kevin Zeitler and DL Pat O’Connor, were inactive.
What’s Next?
Washington will face the winner of Sunday’s Los Angeles Rams-Philadelphia Eagles matchup next weekend on the road for a shot at the Super Bowl.
“This team has heart,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn said. “We’re not done yet.”
