Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats

On January 18, 2025, the NFL playoffs delivered a thrilling showdown between the top-seeded Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats at Ford Field. The final score of 45-31 in favor of the Commanders sent shockwaves through the football world, as the sixth-seeded team pulled off one of the most stunning upsets in recent playoff history. This game was a tale of explosive offenses, costly turnovers, and standout performances from rookies and veterans alike. In this article, we’ll break down the key player stats, highlight the game’s biggest moments, and provide an easy-to-read analysis of what made this matchup unforgettable. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to football, we’ve got you covered with a clear and engaging look at the numbers behind this epic clash.

Game Overview: A High-Scoring Playoff Thriller

The Washington Commanders, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, entered the game as nearly double-digit underdogs against the Detroit Lions, who boasted a franchise-record 15-3 season. The Lions, fresh off a first-round bye, were favored to continue their dominant run toward the Super Bowl. However, the Commanders had other plans, capitalizing on five Detroit turnovers and a balanced offensive attack to secure a 45-31 victory. This win propelled Washington to their first NFC Championship appearance since 1991, while the Lions were left to reflect on a heartbreaking end to their historic season.

Let’s dive into the player stats that defined this game, starting with the quarterbacks who set the tone for this high-scoring affair.

Quarterback Performances: Daniels Shines, Goff Struggles

Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders)

Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, proved why he’s a frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year. The former LSU star delivered a masterful performance, showcasing poise beyond his years in a hostile environment at Ford Field. His stats tell the story of a quarterback who controlled the game with both his arm and legs:

• Passing: 22/31 (71% completion), 299 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 122.9 passer rating

• Rushing: 51 yards on 8 carries (6.4 yards per carry)

• Total Yards: 350 (second-most by a rookie in a postseason game in NFL history)

• Notable Achievements:

  • 242 passing yards in the first half, a rookie record for a playoff game

  • First quarterback since Patrick Mahomes (Jan. 16, 2022) to post 240+ passing yards and 2+ passing touchdowns in the first half of a postseason game

  • 12/16 for 191 yards and 1 touchdown against the blitz, per NextGenStats

  • Zero turnovers, a critical factor in Washington’s victory

Daniels’ ability to handle Detroit’s aggressive blitz (34.6% blitz rate, second-highest in the NFL) was remarkable. He completed 7/9 passes for 109 yards under pressure and made clutch plays, including a 58-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin and a 5-yard touchdown throw to Zach Ertz. His dual-threat ability kept the Lions’ defense guessing, as he converted a crucial fourth-and-3 from the Detroit 9 to set up a touchdown. Daniels’ performance solidified his status as a rising star and the second rookie quarterback to defeat a No. 1 seed in the playoffs, joining Joe Flacco (2009).

Jared Goff (Detroit Lions)

On the other side, Jared Goff, the Lions’ veteran quarterback, had a night to forget. Despite a strong regular season (4,629 yards, 37 touchdowns), Goff’s turnovers proved costly against Washington’s opportunistic defense. His stats reflect a mixed performance:

• Passing: 23/40 (57.5% completion), 313 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions, 59.7 passer rating

• Fumbles: 1 lost (sacked by Dorance Armstrong, recovered by Frankie Luvu)

• Notable Moments:

  • Threw a touchdown to Sam LaPorta, giving Detroit a 14-10 lead in the second quarter

  • Overthrew Tim Patrick, resulting in a 40-yard pick-six by Quan Martin

  • Threw an end-zone interception to Mike Sainristil to close the first half

  • Late fourth-quarter interception by Jeremy Chinn sealed Detroit’s fate

Goff’s four turnovers (three interceptions, one fumble) were a major factor in the Lions’ defeat. The Commanders capitalized on these mistakes, turning three of them into points, including Martin’s pick-six. Despite the turnovers, Goff showed resilience, leading a 76-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter to cut Washington’s lead to 31-28. However, the Lions’ defense couldn’t get stops, and Goff’s final interception ended any hope of a comeback.

Rushing Attack: Robinson and Gibbs Shine

Brian Robinson Jr. (Washington Commanders)

Washington’s running game, which had struggled in the Wild Card round, came alive against Detroit’s depleted defense. Brian Robinson Jr. led the charge with a strong performance:

• Rushing: 15 carries, 77 yards (5.1 yards per carry), 2 touchdowns, 2 first downs

• Rushing Success Rate: 73.3% (second-highest in the divisional round for players with 5+ attempts)

• Key Plays:

  • 14-yard run to set up a field goal

  • 2-yard touchdown run after a fourth-and-3 conversion by Daniels

  • 1-yard touchdown run on a 15-play, 70-yard drive in the third quarter

Robinson’s 5.1 yards per carry were all gained before contact, a stark contrast to his 1.6 yards per attempt in the Wild Card round. His ability to find running lanes against Detroit’s 30th-ranked rushing defense (allowing 146.4 yards per game) was crucial in maintaining offensive balance.

Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols (Washington Commanders)

The Commanders’ backfield depth was on display, with Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols contributing to the ground game:

• Austin Ekeler: 6 carries, 47 yards (7.8 yards per carry), including a 35-yard run that set up a touchdown

• Jeremy McNichols: 1 carry, 1 yard, 1 touchdown (scored after a Mike Sainristil interception)

Washington’s rushing attack totaled 182 yards on 42 carries (4.3 yards per carry), accounting for nearly 40% of their 481 total offensive yards, the second-best postseason outing in franchise history.

Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions)

For the Lions, Jahmyr Gibbs was a bright spot in a disappointing night. The second-year running back carried the load, especially with David Montgomery returning from a sprained knee:

• Rushing: 14 carries, 105 yards (7.5 yards per carry), 2 touchdowns

• Key Plays:

  • First touchdown put Detroit on the board early

  • 8-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, cutting Washington’s lead to 31-28

Gibbs’ explosive runs helped Detroit amass 201 rushing yards (8.7 yards per carry), but the team’s five turnovers and defensive struggles overshadowed his efforts.

Receiving Corps: Brown, McLaurin, and St. Brown Stand Out

Washington Commanders’ Receivers

The Commanders’ passing game was led by Dyami Brown and Terry McLaurin, who exploited Detroit’s injury-ravaged secondary (13 defensive players on IR, including six starters):

• Dyami Brown:

  • 6/8 receptions, 98 yards (16.3 yards per catch), 3 first downs

  • 3.5 yards per route run (elite efficiency)

  • 5.2 yards after catch per reception

  • Leads all active players in postseason receiving yards (187 yards)

• Terry McLaurin:

  • 4/6 receptions, 87 yards (21.8 yards per catch), 1 touchdown, 4 first downs

  • 58-yard touchdown on a screen pass in the second quarter

  • 81 of 87 yards gained after the catch

Brown and McLaurin combined for 10 receptions, 185 yards, and 1 touchdown, providing Daniels with reliable targets. Tight end Zach Ertz also contributed, catching a 5-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

Detroit Lions’ Receivers

Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta led Detroit’s passing attack, but turnovers limited their impact:

• Amon-Ra St. Brown:

  • 8 receptions, 137 yards (17.1 yards per catch)

  • Key 13-yard catch in the fourth quarter, though a late incompletion hurt a potential comeback

• Sam LaPorta:

  • 1 reception, 1 touchdown (one-handed catch in the second quarter)

Detroit’s 320 passing yards were impressive, but the Commanders’ defense prevented the Lions from capitalizing on their offensive output.

Defensive Standouts: Commanders’ Turnovers Steal the Show

Washington Commanders’ Defense

Washington’s defense, led by coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., forced five turnovers, including four from Jared Goff and one from a trick play by Jameson Williams. Key performers included:

• Mike Sainristil (Rookie CB):

  • 2 interceptions, including one on a trick play by Williams in the fourth quarter

  • Critical in shutting down Detroit’s passing game

• Quan Martin (S):

  • 1 interception, returned 40 yards for a touchdown (pick-six in the second quarter)

  • Shifted momentum with a 10-point lead at halftime

• Dorance Armstrong and Frankie Luvu:

  • Armstrong’s strip-sack on Goff, recovered by Luvu, led to a 78-yard scoring drive

  • Washington’s front pressured Goff into four turnovers in the first half

The Commanders’ defense allowed 521 total yards but made game-changing plays, holding Detroit to 31 points despite their high-powered offense (33.2 points per game in the regular season).

Detroit Lions’ Defense

The Lions’ defense, hampered by injuries, struggled to contain Washington’s offense. Cornerback Amik Robertson suffered a broken arm on the second play, further weakening an already depleted unit. Detroit’s 34.6% blitz rate couldn’t disrupt Daniels, who took zero sacks. The Lions forced just one punt and allowed Washington to convert 3/4 fourth-down attempts, including a critical fourth-and-2 extended by a penalty (12 men on the field).

Special Teams: Mixed Results

• Washington Commanders:

  • Kicker Zane Gonzalez was 3/4 on field goals but missed one attempt

  • Opening kickoff sailed out of bounds, giving Detroit good field position

• Detroit Lions:

  • Kicker Jake Bates made a field goal with five minutes left, but a failed onside kick recovery (Ertz recovered for Washington) ended comeback hopes

Team Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats: A Tale of Efficiency and Turnovers

Here’s a quick look at the team stats that defined the game:

The Commanders’ ability to avoid turnovers while forcing five from Detroit was the difference-maker. Their 481 yards and 45 points set a season high, while their 87% fourth-down conversion rate (tops in the NFL) paid dividends.

Key Moments That Shaped the Game

1. Second-Quarter Explosion: Washington outscored Detroit 28-14 in the second quarter, the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff history. Daniels’ 242 passing yards in the first half and McLaurin’s 58-yard touchdown gave the Commanders a 31-21 halftime lead.

2. Turnover Frenzy: Washington forced four turnovers in the first half, including Martin’s pick-six and Armstrong’s strip-sack, turning a 7-3 deficit into a double-digit lead.

3. Fourth-Down Guts: Coach Dan Quinn’s aggressive play-calling paid off, with 3/4 fourth-down conversions, including a critical fourth-and-2 drive extended by a Detroit penalty.

4. Williams’ Trick-Play Mistake: Jameson Williams’ interception on a trick play in the fourth quarter led to a McNichols touchdown, putting Washington up 45-28 with 7:31 left.

5. Failed Onside Kick: Detroit’s late onside kick attempt was recovered by Zach Ertz, sealing the Commanders’ victory.

Why the Commanders Won

The Commanders’ victory was a masterclass in capitalizing on opportunities. Jayden Daniels’ poise, combined with a resurgent running game and a defense that forced five turnovers, overwhelmed a Lions team that couldn’t overcome its mistakes. Coach Dan Quinn’s aggressive fourth-down decisions and belief in his team’s ability to compete against the No. 1 seed were pivotal. Washington’s 481 yards, zero turnovers, and 33:59 time of possession showcased their balance and discipline.

Why the Lions Lost

The Lions’ five turnovers, including four from Jared Goff, were catastrophic. Their injury-ravaged defense couldn’t stop Washington’s offense, allowing a season-high 45 points. Despite 521 total yards and strong performances from Gibbs and St. Brown, Detroit’s inability to protect the ball and get defensive stops ended their Super Bowl dreams. The 2024 Lions join the 2011 Packers as the only 15-win teams to go one-and-done in the playoffs.

What’s Next?

The Commanders advance to the NFC Championship Game on January 26, 2025, to face the winner of the Los Angeles Rams vs Philadelphia Eagles matchup. With Daniels leading the way, Washington’s dream season continues, and they’re one win away from a Super Bowl appearance. For the Lions, it’s a bitter end to a historic season, but their 15-3 record and talented core provide hope for 2025.

Final Thoughts

The Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats was a showcase of resilience, star power, and critical mistakes. Jayden Daniels’ historic performance, paired with Washington’s opportunistic defense, outshined Detroit’s high-powered offense. Whether you’re a fan of the Commanders’ Cinderella story or a Lions supporter licking your wounds, this game will be remembered as one of the most exciting upsets in NFL playoff history. Stay tuned for more NFL action as the road to Super Bowl LIX continues!