Lions romp to a 44-22 win over the Commanders

Introduction to the Game

LANDOVER, Md. — Dan Campbell’s Detroit Lions do not lose consecutive games. They simply don’t. And he made sure that three-years-plus streak of following any defeat with a victory would continue emphatically by donning his reading glasses Sunday so he could see the play sheet while taking over his team’s offense.

The Game Unfolds

With Campbell in charge of play-calling instead of offensive coordinator John Morton, Jared Goff threw for 320 yards and three TDs and Jahmyr Gibbs found the end zone three times and ran for 142 yards in a bounce-back 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders in front of President Donald Trump.
“It’s been a long time since he’s done it…. He was great,” said Goff, who completed 25 of 33 passes with no interceptions and touchdown connections with Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown — who celebrated with a “Trump dance” — and Jameson Williams.
“He’s not just this rah-rah guy,” the QB said about Campbell. “He’s extremely smart.”

Significant Moments in the Game

With Trump watching from a suite after arriving late in the first half — making him the first sitting U.S. president at a regular-season NFL game since 1978, and just the third ever — the Lions (6-3) put up the first 22 points and never looked back.
They scored on each of their initial eight possessions.
“Shout-out to Dan and how he controlled the game,” said Williams, who had six catches for 119 yards. “It was kind of funny seeing him with the glasses…. It’s a different look, for sure.”

Maintaining the Streak

More than enough to keep intact a streak that began in Campbell’s second season in charge and is the longest active such run in the NFL: The Lions have not lost two regular-season outings in a row since a five-game skid ended in October 2022.
After his club’s sloppy performance in last week’s 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Campbell decided during the week to make the change with his offense.
“It was just: Let’s try something a little different,” Campbell said. “Maybe a different play-caller can get us a little more rhythm.”

The Commanders’ Struggle

The Commanders (3-7), playing without injured quarterback Jayden Daniels and wideout Terry McLaurin, lost their fifth game in a row, one season after going 12-5 in the regular season and beating Detroit in the playoffs en route to the NFC championship game.
Washington moved defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. from the booth down to the sideline for this game, but that did little to fix the club’s problems on that side of the ball. As often has been the case this season, the Commanders put up little resistance.
Washington trailed 32-10 early in the second half, marking its fourth straight game that was not competitive — each was lost by at least 21 points. Commanders fans headed to the exits early — as did Trump, after making an appearance on the game broadcast.

Injuries and Ejections

Payne Ejected

Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne was ejected in the first half for unnecessary roughness after punching St. Brown.

Injuries

Lions: C Graham Glasgow went to the sideline late in the second quarter with a bad back…. CB Terrion Arnold left with a concussion.
Commanders: CB Trey Amos left the game in the second quarter after hurting his ankle…. RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. injured his shoulder…. LB Ale Kaho got a concussion…. CB Jonathan Jones departed in the third quarter with a groin injury…. McLaurin (quadriceps) was sidelined for the sixth time in the past seven games.

Up Next

Commanders: Head to Spain to face the Miami Dolphins in Madrid next Sunday.
Lions: At the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday night.

Conclusion

The Detroit Lions’ victory over the Washington Commanders marked a significant bounce-back win, led by Dan Campbell’s strategic decision to take over play-calling duties. The team’s ability to maintain their streak of not losing consecutive games is a testament to their resilience and Campbell’s leadership.

FAQs

• Q: Who led the Detroit Lions in their 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders?
  A: Dan Campbell, by taking over play-calling duties, led the Lions to their victory.
• Q: What is significant about the Lions’ win?
  A: The win marks the continuation of the Lions’ streak of not losing two regular-season games in a row since October 2022.
• Q: Who was the notable attendee at the game?
  A: President Donald Trump attended the game, making him the first sitting U.S. president at a regular-season NFL game since 1978.
• Q: What were the injuries reported during the game?
  A: Several players from both teams were injured, including Graham Glasgow, Terrion Arnold, Trey Amos, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Ale Kaho, Jonathan Jones, and Terry McLaurin.
• Q: What’s next for the Lions and the Commanders?
  A: The Lions will face the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Commanders will face the Miami Dolphins in Madrid.