catches made with one hand. Pick-sixes. conversions on fourth down. Tricks are played.
The Detroit Lions’ 45-31 surprise victory over the Washington Commanders in Saturday’s Divisional Round matchup included a variety of plays—all of which took place in the first half!
Big play after big play was traded between the clubs, especially in the second quarter when they scored 42 points between them.
The thrilling stretch began with a touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Sam LaPorta for the Lions. After an almost-sack sent Goff to the ground, he made the throw, and LaPorta completed the play with a deft one-handed grab.
Terry McLaurin made a home call for the Commanders less than two minutes later, grabbing a short screen ball and racing loose for a 58-yard score.
Then, only 58 seconds later, Quan Martin returned a 40-yard interception for a score, putting Washington back in the end zone.
After the pick, Goff had to leave the game to get evaluated for an injury. Three plays into its following drive, what did Detroit do with Teddy Bridgewater behind center? Jameson Williams, the receiver, went for a 61-yard score after you performed a reverse for him.
The Commanders responded to the Williams score with another touchdown just seven plays later. And that was made possible by Jayden Daniels’ stunning deep shot to Dyami Brown.
Goff was picked intercepted for the second time on a ball to the end zone as Detroit attempted to respond to that touchdown on its last drive of the first half.
On their first drive of the second half, the Lions were able to score. Tom Brady claimed he had never seen a toss-turned-shovel pass in his life on that possession.
However, Detroit’s subsequent trick play wasn’t as effective and might have cost them the game. In the fourth quarter, receiver Jameson Williams attempted to dial up a reverse/end around/throw, but he carelessly threw into double coverage and was picked off.
Washington converted a massive 4th-and-2 on the next possession. The game would have been tied at two if there had been a field goal. Rather, a third fourth-down try was converted by the Commanders, who then got in the end zone one play later.
Detroit was unable to overcome the last touchdown. It makes sense that Goff was picked off for the third time on the Lions’ most recent play.
And in a huge upset, Washington is on its way to the NFC Championship Game.