In a riveting NFC divisional round matchup, the Detroit Lions pulled off a stunning upset over the favored Washington Commanders, thanks in large part to the heroics of two electrifying rookies. Wide receiver Jameson Williams and tight end Sam LaPorta rose to the occasion, delivering highlight reel plays that will be etched in Lions lore for years to come.
Williams’ Touchdown for the Ages
With Detroit trailing 10-7 midway through the second quarter, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson dialed up a trick play that caught Washington completely off guard. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs took a handoff and pitched it to Williams on an end-around. The speedy wideout turned on the afterburners, leaving defenders in his dust as he raced 61 yards to paydirt.
That was the fastest I’ve ever seen anyone run on a football field. Jameson is a special talent.
– Lions QB Jared Goff
Williams’ electric dash marked the fifth-longest touchdown in Lions playoff history and provided a much-needed spark. The first-round pick out of Alabama missed most of his rookie campaign recovering from a torn ACL, but he’s quickly making up for lost time on the biggest stage.
LaPorta’s One-Handed Marvel
Not to be outdone, fellow rookie Sam LaPorta made a catch that defied belief earlier in the second quarter. With the Lions facing 3rd and goal from the 2-yard line, Goff lofted a pass toward the back corner of the end zone. LaPorta leaped, fully extended his right arm, and somehow snagged the ball with one hand for the go-ahead score.
The jaw-dropping reception marked LaPorta’s first career one-handed catch and the first by any player in the playoffs since Philadelphia’s Dallas Goedert in 2022. Social media erupted with reactions dubbing it an instant “catch of the year” candidate.
I’ve been doing one-handed catches since I was a kid in the backyard. But to do it in a game, in the playoffs…that’s a dream come true.
– Lions TE Sam LaPorta
Gibbs Paces the Ground Game
Overshadowed by his rookie teammates’ spectacular plays, running back Jahmyr Gibbs quietly put together another stellar outing. The NFL’s regular season touchdown leader powered in the game’s first score and racked up over 120 total yards.
Gibbs’ 21 total touchdowns this season set a new Lions single-season record, while his 35 TDs through two years are already second-most in NFL history. The dynamic young back has proven invaluable to Detroit’s run-heavy approach.
- Jameson Williams: 61-yard end-around TD
- Sam LaPorta: One-handed 2-yard TD grab
Backup Bridgewater Shines
When Jared Goff exited to be evaluated for a concussion, it was next man up for Detroit. Teddy Bridgewater, who was coaching high school ball mere months ago, rose to the challenge. The veteran backup came in and seamlessly orchestrated Williams’ long touchdown scamper to keep the Lions’ upset bid alive.
A New Era in Motown?
The Lions’ thrilling victory over Washington serves as notice to the rest of the NFL—Detroit is a force to be reckoned with, now and for years to come. With a core of explosive young playmakers like Williams, LaPorta, and Gibbs, the future looks bright in the Motor City.
For a franchise that has endured years of futility, these budding stars offer hope that the tide is finally turning. If this new generation can continue to develop and shine under the bright lights, Detroit’s long-awaited return to glory may arrive sooner than anyone expected.
