In a stunning turn of events, the top-seeded Detroit Lions saw their magical season come to an abrupt and disappointing end on Saturday night, falling 45-31 to the Washington Commanders at Ford Field in the NFC Divisional Round. The Lions, who set a franchise record with 15 regular season wins, became the first team in NFL history to lose a playoff game in which they had over 300 passing yards and 200 rushing yards.
Record-Setting Regular Season Ends in Defeat
The Lions came into the playoffs as the NFC’s number one seed after a historic regular season in which they led the NFL in scoring at 33.2 points per game. Detroit won 11 straight games at one point, went undefeated on the road, and captured back-to-back NFC North titles. But none of that mattered against Washington, as the Lions turned the ball over five times in the losing effort.
We just didn’t play great, and I mentioned we didn’t complement each other and that’s the same thing. At the end of the day, I didn’t have them ready.
– Lions head coach Dan Campbell
Goff’s Four-Turnover Outing Dooms Detroit
Lions quarterback Jared Goff had a forgettable performance, throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble. He finished 23 of 40 for 313 yards and one touchdown pass, but the turnovers proved too much to overcome. Goff briefly exited the game in the second quarter to be evaluated for a concussion after taking a big hit on an interception return touchdown by Commanders safety Quan Martin.
I’m still kind of processing this. I’m going to have some hard nights coming up unfortunately. It’s hard. I wish I could give you guys a better answer right now.
– Jared Goff on the loss
Rookie RB Gibbs Shines in Defeat
One of the few bright spots for Detroit was the play of rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who scored two touchdowns. His 22 scrimmage touchdowns on the season tied the legendary Gale Sayers for the most ever by a player age 22 or younger. But Gibbs’ impressive performance wasn’t enough to carry the Lions to victory.
Injuries Continue to Mount for Detroit
To make matters worse, the Lions lost starting cornerback Amik Robertson to a broken arm on just the second defensive play of the game. Robertson, who will have surgery on Sunday, joins 16 other Detroit players who ended the season on injured reserve. But head coach Dan Campbell refused to use the injuries as an excuse for the loss.
No. It just hurts to lose, man and I don’t care if you’re the seven seed, six seed, five seed, one seed, because I’ve lost at all of them damn near and it stings. And it, hurts … it hurts.
– Dan Campbell on if the loss hurt more as the one seed
A Somber End to a Special Season
The scene in the Lions locker room after the game was one of devastation and disbelief. All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown sat in stunned silence as Jared Goff came over to console him. Players embraced and tried to process the abrupt and painful end to what had been such a promising and thrilling year.
For Dan Campbell, the sting of this loss will linger for a long time. He poured his heart and soul into this team and this season. To have it end so suddenly, in their own building, was a crushing blow. The tears in his eyes during the postgame presser showed how much he and the whole organization invested in chasing their championship dreams, only to fall short in gut-wrenching fashion.
The Lions’ magical 2024 season is over far sooner than anyone in Detroit expected or hoped. But even in heartbreak, this special group of players and coaches showed why they captured the hearts of fans everywhere. The future remains bright for this young, talented team. For now though, the pain of opportunity lost will take time to process and overcome as a memorable campaign reaches a bitter conclusion.
