The Detroit Lions’ dream season came to a screeching halt on Saturday with a 45-31 upset loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC playoffs. While QB Jared Goff has drawn heavy criticism for his untimely turnovers that contributed to the loss, Lions star offensive tackle Penei Sewell is standing firmly behind his signal caller.
Speaking to reporters as players cleaned out their lockers on Sunday, a visibly frustrated Sewell didn’t mince words when addressing the blame being heaped on Goff’s shoulders.
“I just don’t understand how a team sport, that people can put a blame on one person at all. It’s not like he’s the one that’s out there by himself. So, I’ll never understand it, but again, that’s not my world and what I pay attention to, but bulls—.”
– Penei Sewell on criticism of Jared Goff
Goff certainly had a forgettable performance on the big stage, throwing a career-high three interceptions, including a devastating pick-six, while also losing a fumble. The turnovers constantly stymied the Lions’ attempt at a comeback.
To his credit, a somber Goff took accountability for his miscues after the game. “Obviously, the pick-6 is really the one I’d really like back — that was just a poor decision by me,” Goff lamented. “It’s on me. I got to take care of it better and certainly would have given ourselves a better chance to win had I done that.”
Still, Sewell and other Lions players were quick to console and support their quarterback in the locker room after the heartbreaking loss. As painful as the playoff exit was, it doesn’t erase the magical run this young Lions team went on in 2024.
- Won a franchise-record 15 games
- Earned the NFC’s No. 1 seed and first-round bye
- Set numerous franchise records on offense
While the ending was far from storybook, the Lions established themselves as an ascending powerhouse in the NFC. How this young core, led by Sewell and Goff, responds to this adversity will be one of the fascinating storylines to track this offseason in Detroit.
As the Lions embark on an offseason of soul-searching, expect the Goff debate to rage on. But if Sewell’s passionate defense is any indication, the Lions’ locker room will not fracture or lose faith in their quarterback as they aim to rebound from an opportunity lost.
