Within the divisional spherical on Saturday, the Washington Commanders surprised the No. 1 seed Detroit Lions 45-31. Listed below are three takeaways from the upset:
Knee-jerk response: The Commanders might be on the verge of turning into an NFC powerhouse
What a distinction a yr has made for the Washington Commanders. In 2023, they went 4-13. Now, they’ve punched their ticket to the NFC Championship Recreation for the primary time in 33 years.
In opposition to Detroit, Washington compelled 5 turnovers (4 interceptions and one fumble misplaced). In accordance with Josh Dubow of the Related Press, the Commanders are the seventh crew in NFL historical past to attain 45-plus factors in a street sport.
Washington will face the Philadelphia Eagles or the Los Angeles Rams within the NFC title sport. L.A. and Philadelphia have made a Tremendous Bowl look over the previous 5 seasons, however it would not be shocking if the Commanders beat both crew. They’ve gained seven straight video games (together with the playoffs).
Even when the Commanders do not win subsequent weekend, they in all probability will not be a one-hit surprise. Head coach Dan Quinn and basic supervisor Adam Peters have clearly laid a successful basis of their first season in Washington.
Recreation MVP: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels
Per The thirty third Crew, Daniels secured his 14th win on Saturday night time, tying former Pittsburgh Steelers star Ben Roethlisberger for essentially the most by a rookie QB in a season in league historical past.
