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The Detroit Lions’ season came to a disastrous end on Saturday, falling to the Washington Commanders by the final score of 45-31.
After clinching the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a 15-2 record, the Lions were eliminated in the divisional round of the playoffs.
Ball security issues and defensive struggles hurt Detroit throughout the contest, as head coach Dan Campbell’s team turned the ball over five times.
Detroit jumped out to an early 7-0 advantage, but Washington responded to take a 17-14 lead. With the Lions attempting to answer, Jared Goff threw a pass that was picked off by Commanders defensive back Quan Martin and returned for a touchdown.
Goff briefly left the contest as he was evaluated for a concussion following the pick six, with Teddy Bridgewater taking his place under center.
Bridgewater, who signed with Detroit on Dec. 26 after coaching Miami Northwestern High School to a Florida Class 3A state championship, was part of a quick drive that culminated in a 61-yard touchdown run by Jameson Williams.
Goff returned on the next drive, finishing the game 23-of-40 for 313 yards and a touchdown to go along with a trio of interceptions.
Detroit’s defense couldn’t figure out how to stop the Commanders, allowing Washington to rack up 481 yards of offense and average 6.6 yards per play.
The Lions also struggled against Jayden Daniels, as the rookie quarterback thrived through the air and on the ground. Daniels finished 22-of-31 for 299 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. He also rushed for 51 yards.
Fans called out Goff and the Lions for the disheartening performance.
Marc Ryan @MarcRyanOnAir
Goff has been, in a word, AWFUL. #OnePride
After winning a pair of playoff games and making a trip to the NFC Championship Game during the 2023 season, Detroit was immediately eliminated by a Commanders team that entered the postseason as the No. 6 seed in the conference after receiving a first-round bye.
DETROIT – Something strange happened at Ford Field on Saturday night.The NFL’s most raucous venue turned quiet. Eerily silent.Jayden Daniels didn’t notice
Eric Woodyard, ESPNJan 19, 2025, 01:53 AM ETCloseEric Woodyard covers the Detroit Lions for ESPN. He joined ESPN in September 2019 as an NBA reporter dedicated