Washington Commanders

Commanders headed to NFC Championship game for first time in 33 years

Washington stunned top-seeded Detroit 45-31

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The Washington Commanders defeated the top-seeded Detroit Lions 45-31 to advance to the NFC Championship game for the first time since 1991, when they last won the Super Bowl.

The Washington Commanders routed the Detroit Lions 45-31 to move on to the NFC Championship game for the first time in 33 years.

The Commanders staked a 31-21 in an explosive first half of their divisional playoff game, then extended the lead in the second half.

The sixth-seeded Commanders (14-5) were nearly double-digit underdogs against the Super Bowl favorite Lions (15-3) and overcame doubts as they did all season with a rookie quarterback, new coach and general manager.

Detroit, the NFC's No. 1 seed for the first time, doomed its chances by turning it over five times.

Washington rookie Mike Sainristil had two interceptions, including one on a trick play with receiver Jameson Williams throwing into coverage off a reverse in the fourth quarter. And Quan Martin returned a pick 40 yards for a touchdown.

Jared Goff threw three picks and lost a fumble, turning it over three times in the ill-fated first half.

Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels finished with 299 yards passing for two touchdown and 51 yards rushing, and — just as important — didn't turn the ball over.

First-year coach Dan Quinn led Washington to its first playoff win in 19 years last week. The Commanders rallied past Tampa Bay for their sixth comeback win and fifth straight on the final play from scrimmage in regulation or overtime.

The Commanders, who converted three of four fourth downs, didn't let Detroit keep it that close.

Washington outscored Detroit 28-14 in the second quarter — the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff history — to take that 31-21 lead at halftime.

Daniels, the former LSU star who was the No. 2 pick overall, was 22 of 31, including a 58-yard touchdown pass on a screen to Terry McLaurin and a 5-yard throw for a score to Zach Ertz in the second quarter.

Brian Robinson ran for 77 yards and two touchdowns.

Goff finished 23 of 40 for 313 yards with a touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta that gave the Lions their last lead midway through the second quarter.

Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 105 yards and two touchdowns while Amon-Ra St. Brown had eight receptions for 137 yards.

Goff fumbled in a collapsing pocket on third-and-1 from the Commanders 17 late in the first quarter and Washington took advantage.

Daniels converted a fourth-and-3 from the Detroit 9 to extend a drive capped by Robinson’s 2-yard touchdown run. He threw a short pass to McLaurin and the speedy receiver did the rest, splitting two defenders in the flat and outrunning All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph for a go-ahead score.

Three snaps later, Goff overthrew his intended target and Martin intercepted it and took it to the end zone, putting the Commanders ahead 24-14. Goff took a hit from linebacker Frankie Luvu on the interception return and was evaluated for a concussion.

With backup Teddy Bridgewater under center, Williams scored on a 61-yard reverse.

Detroit’s defense, though, could not stop the Commanders all night. Washington set a season high in points.

The Lions had a chance to cut into the deficit in the final minute of the first half, but Goff’s pass over the deep middle was picked off by Sainristil in the end zone.

Detroit started the second half strong, forcing Washington to punt for the first time and going 76 yards on 11 plays on the ensuing drive, capped by Gibbs’ 8-yard run for his second touchdown to make it 31-28.

The Lions, though, weren’t stingy for long on defense.

Washington had a 15-play, 70-yard touchdown drive — extended by Detroit having 12 men on the field when facing fourth-and-2 from its 5 — and Robinson’s second short touchdown run restored the Commanders' 10-point lead.

Lions cornerback Amik Robertson suffered an elbow injury on the Commanders' second snap and walked off the field in tears in Saturday night's divisional playoff game.

Robertson was ruled out for the game. He was hurt tackling McLaurin.

Goff was evaluated for a concussion and missed one possession after taking a hit while defending Martin's pick-6. Backup Bridgewater filled in and led a touchdown drive.

Commanders offensive guard Sam Cosmi was injured when Robinson ran for a go-ahead touchdown early in the second quarter. Cosmi's right leg bent awkwardly and he limped off the field.

Robertson's injury created another challenge for a short-handed defense as it tried to contain Daniels.

Robertson played well in Detroit's previous game, slowing down Minnesota Vikings All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson.

AP/NBC Washington
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