The washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats tell the story of one of the most dramatic playoff upsets in recent NFL history. On January 18, 2025, the Washington Commanders shocked the football world by defeating the top-seeded Detroit Lions 45–31 in the NFC Divisional Round.
This game was a masterclass in efficiency, resilience, and execution. The washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats reveal how turnovers, fourth-down conversions, and a balanced offensive attack powered Washington to victory over a Detroit team that looked unbeatable in the regular season.
Game Overview: Commanders Stun the Lions
The washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats reflect a game that flipped the expected script. Detroit entered the playoffs as the NFC’s No. 1 seed with a 15–2 record, while Washington was the scrappy underdog coming off a Wild Card win.
Yet, as the scoreboard showed by the end of the night, Washington 45 – Detroit 31, it was the Commanders’ poise under pressure that carried them to one of the most unexpected wins of the postseason.
Team Statistics: A Tale of Turnovers and Efficiency
| Category | Washington Commanders | Detroit Lions |
| Final Score | 45 | 31 |
| Total Yards | 481 | 521 |
| Passing Yards | 299 | 320 |
| Rushing Yards | 182 | 201 |
| First Downs | 27 | 30 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 5 |
| Sacks Allowed | 0 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 33:59 | 26:01 |
Looking at the washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats, the numbers prove that Detroit actually outgained Washington. However, the Commanders’ zero turnovers versus the Lions’ five giveaways were decisive. Each of those turnovers directly led to scoring drives for Washington.
Quarterback Comparison: Jayden Daniels vs Jared Goff
Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders)
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels delivered a near-flawless performance, as seen in the washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats.
- Completions / Attempts: 22 / 31
- Passing Yards: 299
- Passing Touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 0
- Rushing Yards: 51
- Quarterback Rating: 122.9
Daniels combined precision passing with athleticism, escaping pressure and delivering accurate throws. The washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats confirm he became the first rookie in franchise history to throw for nearly 300 yards in a playoff game without a turnover.
Jared Goff (Detroit Lions)
While Jared Goff piled up yards, the washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats reveal that turnovers were his downfall.
- Completions / Attempts: 23 / 40
- Passing Yards: 313
- Touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 3
- Fumbles Lost: 1
- Passer Rating: 72.4
Goff’s four turnovers killed momentum. The washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats make it clear that each mistake was converted into points by Washington, showcasing the Commanders’ ability to capitalize.
Commanders’ Offensive Leaders
Terry McLaurin – Wide Receiver
The washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats highlight Terry McLaurin’s critical role in sustaining drives and scoring plays.
- Receptions: 6
- Receiving Yards: 98
- Touchdowns: 1
McLaurin’s 25-yard touchdown in the third quarter put Washington ahead for good. His chemistry with Daniels was a key part of the Commanders’ passing rhythm.
Brian Robinson Jr. – Running Back
In the washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats, Robinson’s efficiency on the ground stands out.
- Carries: 20
- Rushing Yards: 104
- Touchdowns: 1
His consistent runs kept Detroit’s defense off balance. Every time Detroit closed the gap, Robinson helped the Commanders regain control with steady yardage.
Jayden Daniels’ Dual-Threat Impact
The washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats also underline Daniels’ versatility. He contributed both through the air and on the ground, showcasing his potential as one of the league’s emerging stars.
His ability to convert critical third and fourth downs made him the X-factor in this playoff showdown.
Defensive Standouts: Commanders’ Turnover Machine
Mike Sainristil – Cornerback
Among the washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats, Mike Sainristil’s name pops up as a defensive hero.
- Interceptions: 2
- Passes Defended: 3
- Tackles: 4
Sainristil intercepted Goff twice — both times in scoring territory — flipping the game’s momentum entirely in Washington’s favor.
Jeremy Chinn – Safety
The washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats show how Jeremy Chinn sealed the win.
- Interceptions: 1
- Tackles: 5
- Forced Fumbles: 1
Chinn’s interception in the final two minutes officially ended Detroit’s comeback hopes.
Montez Sweat – Defensive Line
Sweat’s presence was felt all night. He may not dominate the box score, but the washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats credit him with disrupting multiple plays.
- Sacks: 1.5
- QB Hits: 4
His pressure forced Goff into rushed throws — two of which resulted in interceptions.
Detroit Lions Key Player Stats
Jahmyr Gibbs – Running Back
In the washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats, Jahmyr Gibbs shines as Detroit’s top performer.
- Rushing Yards: 105
- Rushing Touchdowns: 2
- Receiving Yards: 71
Gibbs’ speed and vision were electric, but his efforts couldn’t offset the Lions’ costly turnovers.
Amon-Ra St. Brown – Wide Receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown continued his elite-level play, as seen in the washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats.
- Receptions: 8
- Receiving Yards: 137
- Touchdowns: 1
St. Brown’s 137 yards came largely from short-to-intermediate routes, but Washington’s defense prevented him from breaking free for game-changing plays.
Sam LaPorta – Tight End
One of the viral moments from the washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats is LaPorta’s incredible one-handed touchdown catch in the red zone.
- Receptions: 4
- Yards: 52
- Touchdowns: 1
His reliability makes him one of the brightest young tight ends in football.
Game-Changing Moments
- Early Interception: Goff’s first pick led to Washington’s first touchdown, swinging the early momentum.
- Fourth-Down Conversions: The Commanders converted 3-of-4 fourth-down attempts — an impressive stat in the washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats.
- Penalty Disaster: Detroit’s “too many men on the field” call extended a Washington drive that ended in a touchdown.
- Sainristil’s Second Pick: Prevented a Lions scoring drive and helped the Commanders stretch their lead to 38–24.
- Chinn’s Game-Sealing Interception: Ended Detroit’s last hope with under two minutes left.
Coaching Breakdown
The washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats reflect outstanding preparation by Commanders head coach Dan Quinn. His defense focused on forcing turnovers and confusing Goff with disguised coverages.
Meanwhile, Detroit’s Dan Campbell admitted postgame that “mental mistakes and penalties” cost them the game. Despite outgaining Washington, they couldn’t overcome their self-inflicted wounds.
Postgame Reactions
After the washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats were released, reactions poured in from players and analysts alike.
- Jayden Daniels: “We trusted each other, played smart football, and took advantage of opportunities. That’s what playoff football is about.”
- Jared Goff: “We had the talent, but turnovers kill you. We beat ourselves.”
Analysts noted that Daniels’ poise under pressure looked more like a veteran than a rookie.
Historical Context and Legacy
This victory propelled Washington to its first NFC Championship Game since 1991. The washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats will be remembered as the night Jayden Daniels announced himself to the NFL world.
Detroit’s 2024–25 season will be remembered as dominant — but undone by mistakes when it mattered most.
Key Takeaways from the Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats
- Turnovers decided the game. Washington forced five takeaways and didn’t commit a single one.
- Jayden Daniels’ composure was elite. His 122.9 passer rating was among the best ever for a rookie in a playoff game.
- The defense made plays when it counted. Sainristil and Chinn’s interceptions changed everything.
- Detroit’s offense produced yards but not results. 521 total yards mean little when paired with five turnovers.
- Washington’s aggressive playcalling paid off. Fourth-down conversions kept drives alive and demoralized Detroit’s defense.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What was the final score of the washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats game?
The final score was Washington Commanders 45 – Detroit Lions 31, highlighting a dominant upset victory.
2. Who had the best performance according to the washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats?
Rookie Jayden Daniels was the MVP with 299 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and 51 rushing yards.
3. How many turnovers were recorded in the washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats?
Detroit committed 5 turnovers (4 interceptions and 1 fumble), while Washington had none.
4. Which defensive players stood out in the washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats?
Mike Sainristil recorded 2 interceptions, and Jeremy Chinn added 1 interception and a forced fumble, sealing the Commanders’ win.
5. What was the overall takeaway from the washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats?
The game proved that disciplined play, turnover efficiency, and bold coaching decisions can overcome even the strongest regular-season team.
Final Word
The washington commanders vs detroit lions match player stats showcase a perfect mix of underdog grit and smart football. Washington played nearly flawless ball — balanced offense, disciplined defense, and relentless confidence. Detroit’s mistakes made the difference, and the stats prove it.
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