Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Breakdown (Jan 18, 2025)
The Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions match player stats from January 18, 2025 document one of the most surprising playoff results in recent NFL memory.
Ford Field witnessed an upset few saw coming. The sixth-seeded Commanders traveled to Detroit and defeated the top-seeded Lions 45-31, ending the home team’s championship hopes in front of a stunned crowd.
A rookie quarterback outplayed a Super Bowl veteran when it mattered most. When playoff pressure reached its peak, execution proved more important than experience.
Game Overview: Road Underdogs Stun Conference Leaders
Detroit entered with 15 regular season wins, home field advantage, and a veteran quarterback with championship experience. Washington countered with a rookie signal-caller, the NFL’s sixth seed, and nothing to lose.
Final Score Breakdown by Quarter
| Quarter | Washington Commanders | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Quarter | 3 | 7 |
| 2nd Quarter | 28 | 14 |
| 3rd Quarter | 0 | 7 |
| 4th Quarter | 14 | 3 |
| FINAL | 45 | 31 |
The second quarter changed everything. Washington scored 28 points in 15 minutes, creating the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff history. Detroit responded in the third quarter, but the damage proved too substantial to overcome.
Team Statistical Comparison: Production vs Ball Security
Detroit moved the ball more effectively than Washington in most statistical categories, but raw yardage totals rarely determine playoff outcomes.
Complete Team Performance Metrics
| Category | Washington | Detroit | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Net Yards | 481 | 521 | Lions |
| Rushing Yards | 182 | 201 | Lions |
| Passing Yards | 299 | 320 | Lions |
| Total Offensive Plays | 73 | 68 | Commanders |
| Average Gain Per Play | 6.6 | 7.7 | Lions |
| Time of Possession | 33:59 | 26:01 | Commanders |
The Difference Makers
| Critical Categories | Washington | Detroit | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turnovers | 0 | 5 | Decisive |
| Turnover Points | 21 | 0 | Decisive |
| Red Zone Trips | 4/4 (100%) | 3/6 (50%) | Killer |
| Fourth Down Success | 3/4 (75%) | 2/2 (100%) | Aggressive |
| Sacks Allowed | 0 | 2 | Protection |
Washington committed zero turnovers while Detroit gave the ball away five times. The 21 points Washington generated from those turnovers created an insurmountable advantage. Detroit moved the ball well between the red zones, but the Commanders capitalized on every scoring opportunity while the Lions consistently undermined their own drives.
Jayden Daniels: Record-Setting Rookie Performance
Daniels played with the composure of a veteran quarterback. His playoff debut ranks among the best rookie postseason performances in NFL history.
Jayden Daniels Complete Performance Sheet
| Passing Statistics | Numbers | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Completions/Attempts | 22/31 | 71% accuracy under playoff pressure |
| Passing Yards | 299 | 4th most by rookie in playoff history |
| Touchdowns | 2 | Perfect placement and timing |
| Interceptions | 0 | Perfect ball protection |
| Passer Rating | 122.9 | Elite territory |
| Times Sacked | 0 | Perfect pocket protection |
| First Half Yards | 242 | NFL rookie playoff record |
Daniels Rushing & Mobility Numbers
| Ground Game | Stats | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rush Attempts | 16 | Dual-threat capability |
| Rushing Yards | 51 | Key scrambles when needed |
| Combined Yards | 350 | 2nd most by playoff rookie ever |
Pressure Response: Neutralizing Detroit’s Aggressive Defense
Detroit blitzed Daniels on 60% of his dropbacks, sending extra rushers to pressure the rookie quarterback. The strategy failed to achieve its intended effect.
Daniels Against the Blitz:
- Against Blitz: 12/16 completions, 191 yards, 1 TD
- Under 2.5 Seconds: 10/16 completions, 172 yards, 1 TD
- When Pressured: 7/9 completions, 109 yards
- Blitz Yards: 2nd most by rookie since 2016
Daniels consistently found open receivers when Detroit sent extra rushers. His quick decision-making and accurate throws turned the Lions’ primary defensive strategy into an advantage for Washington’s offense.
According to detailed coverage from the official Commanders website, Daniels became the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for 240+ yards in a playoff first half.
Detroit’s Turnover Problems: Experience Undermined by Mistakes
Jared Goff entered this game with Super Bowl experience and had protected the football well during the regular season. The Lions finished with the fifth-fewest turnovers in the league during 2024.
Playoff pressure changed the equation completely.
Jared Goff’s Statistical Meltdown
| Performance Category | Stats | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Completions/Attempts | 23/40 | Below average |
| Passing Yards | 313 | Decent volume |
| Touchdowns | 1 | Limited impact |
| Interceptions | 3 | Season killers |
| Fumbles Lost | 1 | Red zone disaster |
| Passer Rating | 59.7 | Subpar |
| Total Turnovers | 4 | Franchise damaging |
The Four Critical Turnovers
First Quarter Strip Sack
- Situation: 3rd and 1 from Washington’s 17-yard line
- Result: Dorance Armstrong strip sack, recovered by Frankie Luvu
- Impact: Prevented potential Lions scoring opportunity
Second Quarter Pick-Six
- Interceptor: Quan Martin, safety
- Return: 40 yards for touchdown
- Game Impact: Shifted momentum decisively to Washington
Second Quarter Red Zone Interception
- Interceptor: Mike Sainristil, rookie cornerback
- Situation: Lions driving before halftime
- Result: Prevented potential touchdown
Fourth Quarter Sealing Interception
- Interceptor: Jeremy Chinn, safety
- Impact: Ended realistic comeback hopes
Wide receiver Jameson Williams contributed the fifth turnover on a trick play attempt, illustrating how desperation led to increasingly risky decisions as the game slipped away.
Washington Defense: Opportunistic and Effective
Dan Quinn emphasized turnover creation all season with his “Ball is Life” philosophy. His defense aimed for three turnovers per game and exceeded that target when it mattered most.
Washington Defensive Leaders and Impact Plays
| Player | Position | Tackles | Sacks | INTs | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Chinn | Safety | 12 | 0 | 1 | Game-sealing interception |
| Mike Sainristil | Cornerback | 5 | 0 | 2 | 2 interceptions |
| Quan Martin | Safety | 3 | 0 | 1 | 40-yard pick-six |
| Dorance Armstrong | Defensive End | 3 | 2 | 0 | Strip sack, 2 tackles for loss |
| Frankie Luvu | Linebacker | 9 | 0 | 0 | Fumble recovery |
| Bobby Wagner | Linebacker | 8 | 0 | 0 | Team leadership |
Record-Breaking Defensive Performance
Documented Franchise Records:
- Quan Martin: Longest interception return touchdown by Washington defender since 1984
- Dorance Armstrong: Tied franchise playoff record with 2 tackles for loss
- Jeremy Chinn: First Washington player with 10+ playoff tackles since 2020
- Mike Sainristil: First rookie with 2 playoff interceptions since 2015
Five different defenders recorded takeaways, demonstrating the depth and preparation of Washington’s defensive unit. The defense forced five turnovers against an offense that had been among the league’s most reliable ball-protection units during the regular season.
Defensive Snap Count Distribution
| Defensive Leaders | Snaps | Usage Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Chinn | 69/69 | 100% |
| Bobby Wagner | 69/69 | 100% |
| Quan Martin | 67/69 | 97% |
| Mike Sainristil | 66/69 | 96% |
| Frankie Luvu | 63/69 | 91% |
Quinn used his top defenders for nearly every defensive snap, showing complete trust in his core unit during the most important game of the season.
Detroit Offense: Individual Excellence Overshadowed
Despite the turnovers, Detroit produced several outstanding individual performances that kept them competitive for most of the game.
Jahmyr Gibbs: Outstanding Individual Effort
Gibbs delivered one of the best individual playoff performances in a losing effort, proving he belongs among the league’s elite young running backs.
Gibbs’ Complete Statistics:
Jahmyr Gibbs Outstanding Performance
| Category | Numbers | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Attempts | 14 | 7.5 yards per carry |
| Rushing Yards | 105 | Explosive every touch |
| Rushing TDs | 2 | Both from short range |
| Targets | 11 | Heavily involved passing game |
| Receptions | 6 | Reliable out of backfield |
| Receiving Yards | 70 | Dual-threat production |
| Total Yards | 175 | Game-high performance |
In most playoff games, 175 total yards with two touchdowns would be enough for victory. Goff’s four turnovers made Gibbs’ exceptional performance irrelevant to the final outcome.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: Consistent Target
St. Brown provided Goff with a reliable option throughout the game, though even his productivity couldn’t overcome the turnover differential.
St. Brown’s Reception Statistics:
| Reception Stats | Performance |
|---|---|
| Targets | 10 |
| Receptions | 8 |
| Receiving Yards | 137 |
| Longest Catch | 34 yards |
| Catch Rate | 80% |
St. Brown’s eight catches for 137 yards on 10 targets would typically anchor a winning playoff performance. However, turnovers have a way of negating even excellent individual efforts.
Second Quarter: Record-Breaking Playoff Football
The second quarter produced 42 combined points in 15 minutes, officially establishing it as the highest-scoring quarter in playoff history. Washington outscored Detroit 28-14 during this span, building a lead they would never relinquish.
Documented Scoring Sequence:
First Quarter Score:
- Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs 1-yard rushing touchdown
Second Quarter Explosion:
- Washington: Quan Martin 40-yard interception return touchdown
- Washington: Terry McLaurin 58-yard touchdown reception
- Detroit: Sam LaPorta 2-yard touchdown reception
- Washington: Brian Robinson Jr. 1-yard rushing touchdown
- Detroit: Jameson Williams 61-yard rushing touchdown
- Washington: Zach Ertz 5-yard touchdown reception
McLaurin’s touchdown represented Washington’s longest postseason reception since 1988. Martin’s pick-six was the longest interception return by a Commanders defender since 1984, adding historical significance to an already memorable quarter.
Performance Under Pressure: Advanced Analytics
The pressure statistics from this divisional playoff matchup explain why the upset occurred despite Detroit’s statistical advantages in most categories.
Documented Pressure Performance:
Documented Pressure Performance
| Pressure Metrics | Jayden Daniels | Jared Goff |
|---|---|---|
| Blitz Frequency Faced | 60% | Lower frequency |
| Completions vs Blitz | 12/16 | Struggled vs pressure |
| Yards vs Blitz | 191 | Lower production |
| Touchdowns vs Blitz | 1 | Limited success |
| Times Sacked | 0 | 2 |
Detroit’s decision to blitz frequently produced the opposite of its intended effect. Daniels thrived against extra rushers while Goff struggled with less aggressive pressure, illustrating how playoff experience doesn’t always translate to playoff success.
Professional coverage from detailed NFL analysis documented Daniels’ performance as historically significant for any rookie quarterback facing playoff pressure.
Coaching Approaches: Aggression vs Desperation
Dan Quinn’s game plan centered on controlled aggression, particularly on fourth-down situations. His willingness to keep drives alive proved crucial in maintaining pressure on Detroit’s defense.
Fourth Down Execution:
| Attempts | Conversions | Success Rate | Season Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 75% | 87% |
Washington’s aggressive fourth-down approach continued their season-long success in these situations, keeping drives alive when most teams would punt and potentially shift momentum.
Defensive Philosophy Success
Quinn’s “Ball is Life” mentality guided every defensive call. The unit exceeded their season goal of three turnovers per game by generating five takeaways against one of the league’s most careful offenses.
Turnover Creation Elements:
- Interior pressure forcing quick decisions
- Aggressive coverage creating opportunities
- Opportunistic positioning for recoveries
- Five different defenders contributing takeaways
Injury Impact: Detroit’s Defensive Challenges
Detroit entered this playoff game already dealing with significant defensive injuries that proved more costly than anticipated.
Pre-Game Injury Situation:
- 13 defensive players on injured reserve
- 6 starters among injured reserves
- Thin secondary depth chart
In-Game Injury Cascade:
- CB Amik Robertson: Arm injury on 2nd defensive play, did not return
- S Ifeatu Melifonwu: Left game with injury
- S Brian Branch: Played through injury after brief exit
These losses forced inexperienced players into crucial roles against Washington’s versatile offense, creating mismatches the Commanders exploited throughout the game.
Special Teams Impact: Limited but Noteworthy
Special teams played a smaller role than usual, though field position and momentum moments still influenced the game’s flow.
Special Teams Statistical Comparison:
Special Teams Statistical Comparison
| Category | Washington | Detroit | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | 1/2 | 1/1 | Minimal difference |
| Extra Points | 6/6 | 4/4 | Perfect execution |
| Punts | 1 for 48 yards | 1 for 43 yards | Limited attempts |
| Kickoff Returns | 0 attempts | 5 for 114 yards | Detroit advantage |
| INT Return Yards | 69 total | 0 | Washington advantage |
Notable Special Teams Moment: Zach Ertz recovered Detroit’s onside kick attempt late in the fourth quarter, ending any remaining comeback hopes.
Both teams punted only once, reflecting the offensive productivity displayed by both units despite the turnover differential.
Player Usage: Washington’s Trust Distribution
Snap count distribution reveals coaching confidence and strategic priorities during this crucial playoff victory.
Washington Offensive Distribution
| Player | Position | Snaps | Usage Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jayden Daniels | Quarterback | 75/75 | 100% |
| Andrew Wylie | Offensive Line | 75/75 | 100% |
| Brandon Coleman | Offensive Line | 75/75 | 100% |
| Tyler Biadasz | Offensive Line | 75/75 | 100% |
| Terry McLaurin | Wide Receiver | 70/75 | 93% |
| Dyami Brown | Wide Receiver | 62/75 | 83% |
| Zach Ertz | Tight End | 51/75 | 68% |
Washington Defensive Distribution
| Player | Position | Snaps | Usage Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Chinn | Safety | 69/69 | 100% |
| Bobby Wagner | Linebacker | 69/69 | 100% |
| Quan Martin | Safety | 67/69 | 97% |
| Mike Sainristil | Cornerback | 66/69 | 96% |
| Frankie Luvu | Linebacker | 63/69 | 91% |
Franchise Implications: Organizational Directions Altered
This single game shifted both franchises onto dramatically different paths heading into the offseason and beyond.
Washington’s Historic Achievement
Immediate Franchise Impact:
- First NFC Championship appearance since 1991
- Daniels established as long-term cornerstone
- Defense validated as playoff-caliber unit
- Dan Quinn’s first-season success confirmed
Long-Term Organizational Benefits:
- Enhanced appeal for free agent signings
- Draft strategy can emphasize depth over desperation
- Fan base re-energized after decades of disappointment
- Stadium atmosphere and attendance expected to improve
The contrast between Washington’s previous struggles against divisional rivals like Dallas and this playoff breakthrough demonstrates how quickly organizations can transform with proper leadership and quarterback development.
Detroit’s Season Conclusion
Season Analysis:
- 15 regular season wins negated by execution failure
- Questions raised about playoff preparation methods
- Defensive depth concerns fully exposed
- Offensive protection issues highlighted under pressure
Offseason Priorities:
- Defensive depth through draft and free agency
- Turnover prevention coaching emphasis
- Mental preparation evaluation for veteran players
- Championship timeline reassessment needed
The difference between Detroit’s dominant regular season performances against teams like Houston and this playoff collapse illustrates how different the postseason environment becomes for every NFL franchise.
FAQ’s About Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats
What was the final turnover differential in the Commanders vs Lions playoff game?
Washington achieved a +5 turnover differential, committing zero turnovers while forcing five Detroit giveaways. Jared Goff accounted for four turnovers (3 interceptions, 1 fumble), while Jameson Williams threw an interception on a trick play. These five takeaways directly converted to 21 Commanders points.
Which playoff records did Jayden Daniels establish in this victory?
Daniels set the NFL record for most first-half passing yards by a rookie in playoff history (242 yards). His 350 total yards rank as the second-most by any rookie in a single postseason game. His 299 passing yards represent the fourth-highest total by a rookie in NFL playoff history.
How did Detroit’s blitzing strategy affect the game outcome?
Despite sending extra pass rushers on 60% of Daniels’ dropbacks, the rookie completed 12 of 16 attempts for 191 yards and one touchdown against those blitz packages. His quick decision-making and Washington’s protection schemes turned Detroit’s primary defensive strategy into an advantage for the Commanders.
What made the second quarter historically significant?
The second quarter featured 42 combined points (Washington 28, Detroit 14), establishing it as the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff history. This period included multiple Washington touchdowns resulting from Detroit turnovers and explosive plays.
How did injuries impact Detroit’s defensive performance?
The Lions entered with 13 defensive players on injured reserve, including six starters. During the game, they lost cornerback Amik Robertson on the second defensive play, plus safeties Ifeatu Melifonwu and Brian Branch. These losses forced inexperienced players into crucial roles against Washington’s dynamic offense.
What coaching decisions proved most crucial?
Dan Quinn’s aggressive fourth-down philosophy resulted in 3 of 4 conversions, maintaining scoring drives when other teams might punt. His defense’s turnover-focused approach generated five takeaways, exceeding their season goal of three per game and directly contributing 21 points.
Documented Analysis of a Historic Playoff Upset
The comprehensive breakdown of Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions match player stats provides verified documentation of one of the most significant playoff upsets in recent NFL history.
These statistics confirm how quickly organizational momentum can shift in professional football. Jayden Daniels didn’t simply win his first playoff game; he established multiple NFL records while demonstrating the poise and precision of a championship-caliber quarterback.
Washington didn’t just upset the top seed; they executed fundamental playoff football at its highest level through perfect ball security, opportunistic defense, and precise execution under maximum pressure.
For Detroit, this performance serves as a reminder that playoff football operates under different rules than regular season success. When execution falters under the brightest lights, even 15-win seasons can end abruptly.
These verified numbers from this historic playoff upset will be referenced for years to come, documenting the exact moment when preparation and execution overcame talent and expectations in the pursuit of championship football.
These authentic Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions match player stats captured the precise instant when franchise histories changed direction forever.
