Washington Commanders Defy the Odds, Upset Lions in Thrilling 45-31 Victory
The Washington Commanders have reached the NFC championship game for the first time since the 1991 season, thanks to a stunning 45-31 upset victory over the Detroit Lions. The Commanders, who finished tied for the second-worst record in the NFL last season, pulled off one of the biggest upsets in divisional-round history.
The game was a wild ride, with both teams combining for 1003 total yards and 42 points in the first half, setting a record for most points in a single quarter. The Commanders’ rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels, was impressive, going 22-for-31 with 299 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, along with 51 rushing yards on 16 carries.
The Lions, who went 15-2 in the regular season, needed to win just two home games to make their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history, but they came up short, turning the ball over five times, including one in the fourth quarter on a trick pass by receiver Jameson Williams. The defense, ravaged by injuries, was not competitive, and the team’s magical season was undone in a little more than three hours.
For the Commanders, it’s an unbelievable season with dramatic wins and a historic season from an electrifying rookie quarterback. And to think, they’re supposed to be just a few years away from seeing the peak of what Daniels can do with the team.
The Commanders will face either the Philadelphia Eagles or Los Angeles Rams on the road in the NFC championship game.