By LARRY LAGEThe Related Press
DETROIT — Jayden Daniels threw for 2 touchdowns in a flawless efficiency by Washington’s dazzling rookie, and the Commanders surprised the Detroit Lions 45-31 on Saturday night time to succeed in the NFC championship recreation for the primary time since profitable the Tremendous Bowl 33 years in the past.
“It’s a surreal moment,” Daniels stated.
The sixth-seeded Commanders (14-5) have been almost double-digit underdogs towards the Tremendous Bowl favourite Lions (15-3) and overcame doubts as they did all season with a rookie quarterback, new coach and basic supervisor.
“I always believed that we could achieve more than people give us credit for,” Daniels stated.
Detroit, the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the primary time, doomed its probabilities by turning it over 5 occasions.
“If you turn the ball over five times against that team, it is going to be hard to win,” Lions coach Dan Campbell stated.
Washington rookie Mike Sainristil had two interceptions, together with one on a trick play with receiver Jameson Williams throwing into protection off a reverse within the fourth quarter. And Quan Martin returned a choose 40 yards for a landing.
Former Cal star Jared Goff threw three picks and misplaced a fumble, turning it over 3 times within the ill-fated first half.
Daniels completed with 299 yards passing and 51 yards dashing, and — simply as vital — didn’t flip the ball over.
He turned the second rookie quarterback to knock off a top-seeded workforce, becoming a member of Joe Flacco, who led Baltimore previous Tennessee on Jan. 10, 2009.
“Nothing surprises me with him,” stated receiver Terry McLaurin, who turned a brief go from Daniels right into a 58-yard landing.
First-year coach Dan Quinn led Washington to its first playoff win in 19 years final week. The Commanders rallied previous Tampa Bay for his or her sixth comeback win and fifth straight on the ultimate play from scrimmage in regulation or extra time.
The Commanders, who transformed 3 of 4 fourth downs, didn’t let Detroit hold it that shut.
“Give them credit,” Campbell stated. “They earned that game and we didn’t.”
Washington outscored Detroit 28-14 within the second quarter — the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff historical past — to take a 31-21 lead at halftime.
Daniels had 242 yards passing within the first half, setting a rookie report one week after turning into the primary rookie to steer his workforce in yards dashing and passing in a playoff win.
The previous LSU star, who was the No. 2 choose total, was 22 of 31, together with the lengthy TD on the display screen to McLaurin and a 5-yard throw for a rating to Zach Ertz within the second quarter.
Brian Robinson ran for 77 yards and two touchdowns.
Goff completed 23 of 40 for 313 yards with a landing go to Sam LaPorta that gave the Lions their final lead halfway by way of the second quarter.
Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 105 yards and two touchdowns whereas Amon-Ra St. Brown had eight receptions for 137 yards.
Goff fumbled in a collapsing pocket on third-and-1 from the Commanders 17 late within the first quarter and Washington took benefit.
Daniels transformed a fourth-and-3 from the Detroit 9 to increase a drive capped by Robinson’s 2-yard landing run.
Three snaps after Daniels’ TD throw to McLaurin, Goff overthrew his meant goal and Martin intercepted it and took it to the top zone, placing the Commanders forward 24-14. Goff took successful from linebacker Frankie Luvu on the interception return and was evaluated for a concussion.
With backup Teddy Bridgewater below middle, Williams scored on a 61-yard reverse.
Detroit’s protection, although, couldn’t cease the Commanders all night time. Washington set a season excessive in factors.
The Lions had an opportunity to chop into the deficit within the remaining minute of the primary half, however Goff’s go over the deep center was picked off by Sainristil in the long run zone.
Detroit began the second half sturdy, forcing Washington to punt for the primary time and going 76 yards on 11 performs on the following drive, capped by Gibbs’ 8-yard run for his second landing to make it 31-28.
The Lions, although, weren’t stingy for lengthy on protection.
Washington had a 15-play, 70-yard landing drive — prolonged by Detroit having 12 males on the sphere when going through fourth-and-2 from its 5 — and Robinson’s second quick landing run restored the Commanders’ 10-point lead.
Accidents
Commanders: OG Sam Cosmi was injured on Robinson’s go-ahead landing early within the second quarter. His proper leg bent awkwardly and he limped off the sphere.
Lions: CB Amik Robertson (elbow) was injured on Washington’s second snap. … OG Kevin Zeitler (hamstring) and reserve DL Pat O’Connor (calf) have been inactive.
Up subsequent
Washington will play the winner of Sunday’s Los Angeles Rams-Philadelphia Eagles recreation subsequent Sunday on the street for a spot within the Tremendous Bowl.
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Initially Revealed: January 18, 2025 at 9:17 PM PST
