Lions Roar Back: Campbell’s Bold Play-Calling Sparks 44-22 Triumph Over Commanders
The Detroit Lions stormed into Washington D.C. on a mission Sunday, seeking redemption following a recent setback against Minnesota. Compounding their motivation was the opportunity to avenge a bitter NFC Divisional round defeat at the hands of the Commanders last January. With their opponents grappling with injuries and a disheartening losing streak, the Lions seized the moment, dominating the game and securing a commanding 44-22 victory. The renaissance of their offense was largely attributed to head coach Dan Campbell stepping up to call the plays.
Offensive Standouts Shining Bright
Jahmyr Gibbs Leads the Charge
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs emerged as the standout performer for the Lions, addressing previous critiques that the offense under former offensive coordinator John Morton failed to creatively utilize his talents. Against Washington, Gibbs eclipsed 120 yards from scrimmage by the third quarter, scoring two first-half touchdowns—one through the air and another on the ground. Despite facing adversity with starting linemen Graham Glasgow and Penei Sewell sidelined for portions of the game, Gibbs proved to be the lifeblood of the offense. His highlight moment came during the fourth quarter, when he burst through a gaping hole for a dazzling 43-yard touchdown. Ultimately, he finished the day with 142 rushing yards and 30 receiving yards.
Kalif Raymond Makes His Mark
Wide receiver Kalif Raymond stepped into the spotlight as well, showcasing his skills as the team’s WR3. With Campbell at the helm, Raymond contributed significantly to the offense, recording four receptions for 49 yards. Entering the game with just 63 receiving yards for the entire season, he played a pivotal role in a grueling 9-play, 87-yard drive that culminated in a score, effectively breaking the Commanders’ spirit. Late in the game, he also added a ten-yard rush but was seen limping off the field afterward.
Jameson Williams Reclaims His Form
Another key contributor was Jameson Williams, who has often seemed absent under the previous regime. This time, he delivered his best performance of the season, racking up 119 yards and a touchdown—his second game surpassing the century mark this year. Campbell’s play-calling effectively targeted Williams on various routes, allowing him to exploit the Commanders’ defense. Although he dropped a crucial pass early in the game that limited the Lions to a field goal on that drive, he rebounded with a dynamic performance, including a critical 53-yard reception that set up another score.
Coaching Changes: A Turning Point
John Morton’s Struggles Highlighted
In stark contrast to the Lions’ explosive offensive output, former offensive coordinator John Morton faced criticism in his first game removed from play-calling duties. The Lions amassed 41 points without benefiting from short fields, with every scoring drive exceeding 64 yards. Campbell’s unpredictable play-calling breathed new life into the offense, allowing players like Raymond and Williams to flourish rather than merely serve as decoys. Even tight end Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown found success, proving that Campbell’s approach maximized the team’s potential unlike Morton’s tenure.
Defensive Performance: Mixed Reviews
Brian Branch Steps Up
With All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph absent, Brian Branch rose to the occasion, delivering a standout performance. He made impactful tackles throughout the game, finishing with 1.5 sacks and tying for the team lead in tackles with seven. His relentless pursuit and hard hits were instrumental in the Lions’ defensive strategy, although he did leave the game limping in the fourth quarter.
Rock Ya-Sin Faces Challenges
On the other side of the coin, cornerback Rock Ya-Sin struggled against a shorthanded Washington offense that still managed to score 22 points. His coverage faltered at times, notably allowing a significant 37-yard reception to Treylon Burks, which was compounded by a defensive pass interference penalty. Although he did redeem himself with a late pass breakup, his performance highlighted issues within the Lions’ secondary.
Jared Goff Steady Under Pressure
Quarterback Jared Goff exhibited poise and precision, executing Campbell’s game plan effectively. He completed 25 of 33 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns, displaying a remarkable ability to avoid sacks and maintain composure despite losing key offensive linemen. Goff’s ability to spread the ball resulted in contributions from multiple receivers, solidifying his role as the franchise quarterback.
Defensive Line Dominance
Roy Lopez Shines in the Trenches
Defensive tackle Roy Lopez was a force on the line, contributing significantly to the Lions’ defensive efforts. As Washington’s quarterback, Marcus Mariota, scrambled to evade pressure, Lopez consistently disrupted plays in the backfield, including cleaning up one of Branch’s sacks. His relentless pursuit in the run game also led to multiple tackles for loss, showcasing his impact on both defense and the pass rush.
The Lions’ resounding victory over the Commanders not only showcased their offensive prowess but also hinted at a potential turning point in their season. With Dan Campbell at the helm, Detroit appears poised to harness its full potential as they push forward in the league.
