The 2024-25 NFL playoff showdown between the Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions exceeded expectations. Both teams began the season with low hopes but overcame the odds to secure playoff berths. Now, they clashed on the road to the Super Bowl.
The high-scoring game ended with the Commanders extending their Cinderella story with a 45-31 victory. Unfortunately for the Lions, it marked another heartbreaking finish, made worse by losing at their home turf, Ford Field.
The manner of the Lions’ loss was especially disheartening. When it rains, it pours, and for quarterback Jared Goff, mistakes kept piling up. Detroit squandered an early lead and couldn’t recover.
On the other hand, the Commanders’ quarterback, Jayden Daniels, delivered a masterclass. The 24-year-old dominated with clutch plays, making even fourth downs look easy. After the game, Daniels had more to say off the field.
The 2023 Heisman winner didn’t hold back on social media. As if his performance wasn’t enough, the rookie QB mocked the Lions with a cheeky post. One of his Instagram stories featured a golden retriever wearing a lion’s mane wig, captioned: “Dem boys ain’t no lions Dey GOOD BOYSSSS.”
Daniels’ jab highlighted Detroit’s collapse. Despite their potential, the Lions couldn’t keep up. Each time they closed the gap, sloppy errors handed momentum back to Washington. At the center of the chaos was Goff, whose struggles were exploited by Daniels. The Commanders left Ford Field likely thinking, “That wasn’t so hard.”
But it was supposed to be. Detroit entered the season as the team to beat, having delivered stellar football for two years. Fans were already dreaming of a championship parade.
Jayden Daniels Shuts Down Dan Campbell’s Detroit Dominance
The Lions had been exceptional over the past two seasons, culminating in a 15-2 record this year. Under head coach Dan Campbell, the team transformed into contenders.
Their gritty determination and stylish offense made them both formidable and likable. Campbell’s culture shift led to consecutive NFC North titles, their first in franchise history.
Goff credited Campbell’s influence in an interview with USA Today’s Nate Davis: “He’s our rock, man, he is… We feed off his emotion and his energy. He believes in us, and he loves us, and he cares for us.”
However, everything unraveled on Sunday. Jayden Daniels dominated the game, extinguishing Detroit’s hopes. Completing 22 of 31 passes for 299 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no turnovers,
Daniels displayed poise beyond his years. Meanwhile, Goff committed 4 turnovers. Daniels also rushed for over 50 yards on 16 carries, further showcasing his versatility.
Daniels has been unstoppable this season, surpassing 5,000 passing yards and setting the rookie record for total offensive yards in NFL history.
Yet against Detroit, he hardly needed extra help—but he got it. The Lions gifted 5 turnovers, a pick-6, and multiple fumbles. Watching the meltdown crushed Campbell.
This game will haunt the Lions as a missed opportunity. They choked, and Jayden Daniels made sure to punish every mistake. The Commanders walked away with the victory—and the last laugh on Instagram.
