Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats

On January 18, 2025, the Washington Commanders pulled off a stunning 45-31 victory over the top-seeded Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Round at Ford Field. This game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with standout performances, jaw-dropping plays, and a few costly mistakes that shaped the outcome. For football fans of all ages, this matchup was a perfect mix of heart-pounding action, individual brilliance, and team grit. Let’s dive into the player stats, key moments, and what made this game one of the most memorable upsets in recent NFL playoff history.

Game Overview: A Historic Upset Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats

The Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats, a team that finished the 2023 season with a 4-13 record, were the underdogs heading into this game. With a rookie quarterback, a new head coach, and a franchise looking to rebuild, few expected them to challenge the 15-2 Detroit Lions, who were riding high as the NFC’s No. 1 seed. But led by the electrifying Jayden Daniels, the Commanders delivered a performance for the ages, advancing to their first NFC Championship since 1991.

The Lions, despite their explosive offense and strong regular season, struggled with turnovers and defensive lapses. The game was a high-scoring affair, with Washington’s 481 total yards and Detroit’s 521 yards showcasing the offensive firepower on both sides. Let’s break down the player stats and see who stood out in this epic clash.

Washington Commanders: Key Player Stats

Jayden Daniels (QB) – The Rookie Sensation

Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, proved why he’s likely to be named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. His poise under pressure was remarkable, especially in the hostile environment of Ford Field. Here’s a look at his stats:

• Passing: 22/31, 299 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 122.9 QB rating

• Rushing: 51 yards on 8 carries

• Notable Achievements:

  • 350 combined yards (passing and rushing), the second-most by a rookie in a postseason game in NFL history.

  • 242 passing yards in the first half, a rookie record for a playoff game.

  • 12/16 for 191 yards and 1 touchdown against the blitz, showcasing his ability to handle pressure.

Daniels was the heart of Washington’s offense, making big plays with his arm and legs. His 58-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin and a 5-yard score to Zach Ertz in the second quarter helped the Commanders build a 31-21 halftime lead. His ability to avoid sacks (zero taken) and convert crucial fourth downs (3/4) kept drives alive and the Lions’ defense on their heels.

Brian Robinson Jr. (RB) – Powering the Ground Game

The Commanders’ running game came alive against Detroit, with Brian Robinson Jr. leading the charge. After struggling in recent weeks, Robinson found his rhythm:

• Rushing: 77 yards on 15 carries, 2 touchdowns

• Key Play: A 14-yard run in the first quarter that set up an early field goal, showing his ability to find running lanes against a banged-up Lions defense.

Robinson’s two short touchdown runs (2 yards and 1 yard) were critical in maintaining Washington’s lead. His physical running style complemented Daniels’ dual-threat ability, giving the Commanders a balanced attack that accounted for 182 rushing yards.

Terry McLaurin (WR) – Explosive Playmaker

Terry McLaurin turned a short pass into one of the game’s defining moments with a 58-yard touchdown catch-and-run. His stats:

• Receiving: 4 receptions, 85 yards, 1 touchdown

• Highlight: Took a screen pass 59 yards to the house in the second quarter, giving Washington a 17-14 lead.

McLaurin’s speed and ability to break tackles made him a constant threat. His performance added to his playoff totals, where he leads the Commanders with 13 catches and 187 yards.

Dyami Brown (WR) – Stepping Up Big

Dyami Brown emerged as a key contributor, especially in the passing game:

• Receiving: 5 receptions, 78 yards

• Key Play: A 42-yard catch in the second quarter that set up a touchdown, showcasing his ability to stretch the field.

Brown’s 187 playoff receiving yards lead the team, and his knack for making big plays in clutch moments has been a game-changer for Washington.

Austin Ekeler (RB) – Versatile Weapon

Austin Ekeler provided a spark in the run game and as a receiver:

• Rushing: 47 yards on 6 carries

• Key Play: A 35-yard run in the fourth quarter that moved the ball deep into Lions territory, setting up a touchdown by Jeremy McNichols.

Ekeler’s versatility helped Washington’s offense stay unpredictable, contributing to their 481 total yards, the second-highest in franchise postseason history.

Defensive Stars: Mike Sainristil and Quan Martin

Washington’s defense forced five turnovers, a feat they hadn’t accomplished since 2016. Rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil was a standout:

• Stats: 2 interceptions, including one on a trick play by Jameson Williams

• Notable Achievement: Became the first Commanders player to record two interceptions in a playoff game since Barry Wilburn in Super Bowl XXII.

Safety Quan Martin also made a massive impact:

• Stats: 1 interception (40-yard pick-six)

• Key Play: His second-quarter interception of Jared Goff, returned for a touchdown, gave Washington a 10-point lead and swung momentum.

Linebackers Dorance Armstrong and Frankie Luvu were instrumental in a strip-sack on Goff, with Luvu recovering the fumble. This defensive pressure led to three turnovers directly resulting in points for Washington.

Detroit Lions: Key Player Stats

Jared Goff (QB) – A Tough Night

Jared Goff, who threw for 4,629 yards and 37 touchdowns in the regular season, had a game to forget:

• Passing: 23/40, 313 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions

• Fumbles: 1 lost fumble

• Key Moment: A second-quarter interception returned for a touchdown by Quan Martin, followed by a massive hit from Frankie Luvu, rattled Goff and set the tone for Washington’s defensive dominance.

Goff’s four turnovers in the first half, including a pick-six and a fumble in scoring range, dug a hole the Lions couldn’t climb out of. Despite a touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta, his mistakes were too costly against a relentless Commanders team.

Jahmyr Gibbs (RB) – A Bright Spot

Jahmyr Gibbs was a force in the run game, keeping the Lions competitive:

• Rushing: 105 yards on 14 carries, 2 touchdowns

• Key Play: A 33-yard run in the first quarter that showcased his elusiveness and set up an early score.

Gibbs averaged 7.5 yards per carry, but the Lions’ inability to sustain drives due to turnovers limited his impact.

Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR) – Reliable Target

Amon-Ra St. Brown was Goff’s go-to receiver:

• Receiving: 8 receptions, 137 yards

• Key Play: A 13-yard catch in the fourth quarter that kept a drive alive, though it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.

St. Brown’s performance was a highlight for Detroit, but the team’s defensive struggles and turnovers overshadowed his efforts.

Sam LaPorta (TE) – Clutch in the End Zone

Tight end Sam LaPorta made a spectacular play:

• Receiving: 3 receptions, 45 yards, 1 touchdown

• Highlight: A one-handed touchdown catch in the second quarter gave the Lions a brief 14-10 lead.

LaPorta’s athleticism was on display, but Detroit’s defense couldn’t stop Washington’s relentless attack.

Defensive Struggles

The Lions’ defense, already depleted with 13 players on injured reserve, including six starters, was hit hard early when cornerback Amik Robertson suffered a broken arm on Washington’s second snap. This forced Kindle Vildor into action, and the unit struggled to contain Daniels. The Lions allowed 481 yards, including 312 in the first half, and managed just one quarterback pressure before halftime.

Key Moments That Defined the Game

1. Quan Martin’s Pick-Six: In the second quarter, Jared Goff overthrew Tim Patrick, and Quan Martin returned the interception 40 yards for a touchdown, giving Washington a 24-14 lead. This play shifted momentum and highlighted Detroit’s turnover woes.

2. Terry McLaurin’s 58-Yard Touchdown: A simple screen pass turned into a game-changer as McLaurin broke tackles and sprinted 59 yards to put Washington ahead 17-14.

3. Jameson Williams’ Trick Play Interception: In the fourth quarter, with the Lions trailing 38-28, a gadget play went horribly wrong when Williams threw an interception to Mike Sainristil. Washington capitalized with a Jeremy McNichols touchdown, extending the lead to 45-28.

4. Fourth-Down Conversions: Washington converted 3 of 4 fourth-down attempts, including a critical 4th-and-2 in the fourth quarter extended by a Lions penalty (12 men on the field). This led to a touchdown that sealed Detroit’s fate.

5. First-Half Fireworks: The second quarter saw 42 combined points, the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff history. Washington’s 31-21 halftime lead set the stage for their upset.

Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Team Comparison

Stat	Commanders	Lions
Total Yards	481	521
Passing Yards	299	313
Rushing Yards	182	208
Turnovers	0	5
Fourth-Down Conversions	3/4	0/0
Time of Possession	32:15	27:45

The Commanders’ ability to avoid turnovers and capitalize on Detroit’s mistakes was the difference-maker. Despite the Lions’ yardage advantage, their five turnovers, including a pick-six and a fumble in scoring range, were insurmountable.

Why the Commanders Won

Washington’s victory came down to three key factors:

1. Jayden Daniels’ Poise: The rookie quarterback played like a veteran, making smart decisions and delivering big plays. His 350 combined yards and zero turnovers were a stark contrast to Goff’s struggles.

2. Defensive Opportunism: The Commanders’ defense, led by Dan Quinn, forced five turnovers, including four from Goff. These turnovers led to 17 points, including a pick-six and a touchdown after a fumble recovery.

3. Aggressive Play-Calling: Coach Dan Quinn’s decision to go for it on fourth down three times paid off, keeping drives alive and maintaining offensive momentum. The Commanders’ balanced attack (299 passing, 182 rushing) kept Detroit’s defense guessing.

Why the Lions Lost

The Lions’ season ended in disappointment due to:

1. Turnovers: Five turnovers, including four by Goff and one on a trick play by Williams, were catastrophic. The pick-six and fumble in scoring range were particularly damaging.

2. Defensive Injuries: With 13 players on IR and Amik Robertson’s early injury, the Lions’ defense couldn’t stop Washington’s offense, allowing 312 yards in the first half alone.

3. Missed Opportunities: Despite 521 yards of offense, the Lions couldn’t capitalize on their drives due to turnovers and penalties, like the 12-men-on-the-field mistake that extended a Washington scoring drive.

What’s Next for Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Both Teams?

The Commanders advanced to the NFC Championship to face the winner of the Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats game on January 26, 2025. With Jayden Daniels leading the way, Washington is one win away from a Super Bowl appearance, a remarkable turnaround for a franchise that was 4-13 just a year ago.

For the Lions, the loss was a crushing blow after a 15-2 regular season. With coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn now free to interview for head coaching jobs, and questions about Jared Goff’s performance in big games, Detroit faces a critical offseason. However, players like Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown provide hope for a strong 2025 campaign.

Conclusion: A Game for the Ages Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats

The Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats  matchup was a showcase of individual brilliance and team resilience. Jayden Daniels solidified his status as a rising star, while players like Terry McLaurin, Brian Robinson Jr., and Mike Sainristil made game-changing plays. For the Lions, Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown showed their potential, but turnovers and defensive struggles ended their Super Bowl dreams.