The Detroit Lions' remarkable season ended abruptly in the divisional round of the playoffs, as they fell to the Washington Commanders in a hard-fought, emotional battle. Despite a promising start and flashes of brilliance, the Lions couldn’t overcome crucial mistakes and a late surge from the Commanders, losing 45-31. The loss brings an end to a year full of promise and growth for the Lions, leaving fans to wonder what could have been as they look ahead to the offseason.
From the opening whistle, both teams displayed their playoff intensity, but as the game progressed, the Lions’ inability to get any rhythm on key moments ultimately spelled their demise. The performance left many questioning what went wrong in the season's most critical game, whether it was missed opportunities on offense or a defense that couldn't stop Washington’s offensive surges.
Offense
Jared Goff, what happened? Ben Johnson, what happened? So many questions about the play calling on offense for this game. Five total turnovers, four from interceptions and one from a fumble. Jared Goff had three of three interceptions, while Jameson Williams was also picked off on a trick play. The game plan should've been simple: run the ball, especially against one of the lowest rushing offenses in the league. But this was not the case at all. You can drum up something about how Jared Goff always chokes in big games, which is true in some aspects, or a conspiracy theory that Ben Johnson was already checked out and threw the game knowing his job as a head coach was already secured. Either way, this game was a horrible showing for the offense and a complete letdown for fans and players alike.
Defense
13 starters on Injured Reserve is not ideal going into the season. Still, the Lions' defense has managed to pull through in big moments. Against this Commanders' defense, there was no answer to stopping Jayden Daniels' dynamic running and throwing ability. If Terry McLaurin or Zach Ertz were covered, Daniels would run it for 15+ yards. The Commanders' offense was not stopping, and the defense's luck of coming through in big moments had run out. Going into this offseason, there will be questions on who to resign and who to let go and try free agency. On the bright side, the Lions do not have to worry about players being injured for a while.
What's Next?
First, we need to hire new offensive and defensive coordinators. With Ben Johnson going to the Bears and Aaron Glenn off to New York, the Lions will need to start scouting for new coordinators to handle the playbooks. Next is to resign crucial players in the off-season and start focusing on ways to better condition players so that injuries do not happen or are less severe heading down the stretch in the season. Overall, this is not a real setback for Detroit, but it halts their momentum. This offseason will determine how they will address these concerns moving forward.
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