The Lions were the number one seed and 8.5 point favorites in this game, but it was the Commanders who looked like the elite team in this one. Not only did they score 45 points, but they forced multiple turnovers, converted a number of times on 4th down, beating the Lions at their own game. Jayden Daniels played mistake-free football, while Jared Goff didn’t, and the Lions defense couldn’t get a stop in big moments or at all. The Lions season ends in disappointing fashion, while the Commanders now head to the NFC Championship game. Here are five things we learned from this game:
Gibbs Should Always Get More Touches Than Montgomery
Montgomery is a solid RB, especially in the red zone, but Gibbs is the best offensive player on the Lions and is a home run threat every he touches the football.
Jayden Daniels Is A Future MVP
He doesn’t look like a rookie. He plays composed, poised, and MVP-caliber football. As amazing as he is at picking up yards with his legs, he is an incredibly efficient and accurate passer, too.
Goff Made Too Many Mistakes
The interceptions and fumble cannot happen in big games. At some point, those turnovers come back to haunt you, and they did in this game.
Terry McLaurin Is An Elite WR
We saw him have a huge regular season thanks to finally having good QB play and he showed up in a huge way in this game.
Zach Ertz and Austin Ekeler Are Clutch
Both guys made big plays in key moments in this game. Ertz is a security blanket for Daniels and scored a big TD, while Ekeler not only had some big runs, but his ability to catch passes out of the backfield was also on display. Ertz also made an amazing play on the Lions onside kick attempt.
