Motor City Upset

In one of the most shocking NFL playoff upsets in recent memory, rookie sensation Jayden Daniels and the sixth-seeded Washington Commanders knocked off the NFC’s No. 1 seed on Saturday with a 45-31 road win over the Detroit Lions. The win sends Washington to its first NFC Championship Game since the 1991 season.

Daniels and the Commanders walked into the Lions’ den facing long odds against a high-scoring team that lost two games at Ford Field in 2024. Washington did not at all resemble an underdog by the game’s end, however.

After falling behind 7-3 in the first 14 minutes, Washington’s fortune appeared to shift after defensive end Dorance Armstrong forced a Jared Goff fumble and recovery late in the first quarter. The turnover set Daniels and company up for their first of five touchdowns over the next seven drives, and seemed to energize the defense for one of its best games.

Goff followed the fumble with a touchdown pass but tossed two of his three interceptions over the next three series, including one on an overthrow that Commanders safety Quan Martin returned 40 yards to the end zone. Martin’s pick six gave Washington a 24-14 lead with 5:25 left in the second quarter. The team went on to outscore Detroit 14-10 in the second half after leading 31-21 at halftime to soundly put the game away.

By extending their best season since winning the Super Bowl 33 years ago, the Commanders, on the heels of stunning the Lions, have now set themselves up for a date with either NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles or the Los Angeles Rams next weekend with a trip to Super Bowl LIX on the line.

The “little-engine-that-could” storyline ended weeks ago as the supposed rebuilding team continued winning when oddsmakers and most everyone outside the organization kept waiting for the crash. None were forthcoming. Now, the Commanders are in the NFC Championship Game.

They weren’t supposed to beat the 15-2 Lions in Detroit. No way could they outscore the NFL’s top offense, let alone topple the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Considering what transpired, “beat” doesn’t do the demolition justice.

Washington entered as winners of six consecutive games, including the final five on the last play from scrimmage. No panic this time as the Commanders led by 17 points midway through the fourth quarter.

Of course, Washington is poised. That’s a reflection of its never-rattled rookie quarterback. Despite vocal opposition from the Detroit faithful and a Lions defense known for aggression, Daniels led the Commanders to six touchdowns and seven scoring drives.

They played as a team. That’s what coach Dan Quinn preached when he arrived last February. He remained on that message all season. This random-parts roster with a mix of incoming veterans and kids with potential did as well.

Washington had not won 11 games since 1991. This group finished 12-5 in the regular season and now has advanced to within one win of reaching the Super Bowl. Seriously, this is incredible.