Dan Campbell reflects after the Lions Divisional Round loss 💙 pic.twitter.com/u78g9My2wj
— NFL (@NFL) January 19, 2025
The Washington Commanders came into Ford Field and defeated the Detroit Lions, 45-31, ending the Lions’ playoff run after a remarkable regular season in which they clinched the No. 1 seed. The Lions’ downfall was marred by five turnovers, including four from quarterback Jared Goff.
Detroit’s defense also had a hard time containing rookie QB Jayden Daniels and the Commanders’ offense.
FINAL: @Commanders score 45 points in Detroit to advance in the #NFLPlayoffs! pic.twitter.com/FXTOjen4eW
— NFL (@NFL) January 19, 2025
Initially, things looked promising for the Lions as they stopped the Commanders on fourth down and then went 71 yards for a touchdown drive, taking an early 7-0 lead. Washington responded with a field goal to cut the lead to 7-3 and took a 10-7 lead after Goff fumbled at the Washington 25-yard line, followed by a 78-yard touchdown drive.
Detroit reclaimed the lead at 14-10 with a 70-yard touchdown drive featuring a spectacular one-handed catch from Sam Laporta. However, the tide quickly turned in Washington’s favor.
Lions’ playoff hopes dashed by errors
Watch live postgame coverage from #WASvsDET featuring:
🔹Dan Campbell press conference
🔹Jared Goff press conference
🔹Postgame analysis with Dannie Rogers & Lomas Brown@cureinsurancehttps://t.co/IUgJaOpM3m— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 19, 2025
The Commanders scored on a 59-yard pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin, and Goff then threw an interception that was returned 40 yards for a touchdown. Detroit tried to claw back with a long touchdown run from Jameson Williams, but the Commanders extended their lead to 31-21 late in the second quarter. Near the end of the first half, Goff’s second interception of the game kept the Lions from narrowing the deficit, and the Commanders maintained their 31-21 lead going into halftime.
The Lions came out strong in the third quarter with an 11-play, 91-yard touchdown drive to cut the lead to 31-28. However, Washington answered with a 15-play, 70-yard drive to extend their lead to 38-28. In a critical moment, the Lions attempted a trick play with Williams throwing to Jahmyr Gibbs, but it was intercepted, leading to another Washington touchdown.
Detroit managed a field goal to bring the score to 45-31 but couldn’t recover from their mistakes. A missed field goal by Washington with just over two minutes remaining gave the Lions one last chance, but Goff’s fourth interception of the day sealed the loss. The Lions’ playoff run, which came after an impressive regular season, ended in disappointment as turnovers and defensive struggles hampered their efforts.