The Detroit Lions earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC for the first time in team history, but they are one and done in the playoffs thanks to the Washington Commanders.
Jayden Daniels and the Commanders stunned the Lions 45-31 in Detroit to advance to the NFC championship game.
The high-scoring affair featured a roller coast second quarter where combined 42 points were scored. The two teams combined for 621 combined yards in the first half.
Washington took a 31-21 lead at halftime and were able to hold on. It’s the first time in 33 years the Commanders have advanced to the NFC championship game
Here’s what we learned for the Commanders vs. Lions playoff tilt:
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Jayden Daniels is ready for the moment
Daniels showed remarkable poise in just his second career playoff game.
He demonstrated as much with a 38-yard pass to Dyami Brown, which might be the best throw of the NFL playoffs thus far.
The Commanders rookie QB completed 22-of-31 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns.
Washington is guaranteed a road playoff game next week. They will either travel to Philadelphia or Los Angeles. Philadelphia would have the most hostile environment, but nothing seems to rattle the rookie QB.
Zach Ertz: Security blanket
Veteran tight ends can be a young quarterback’s best friend. Zach Ertz proved that on Saturday night.
Daniels found Ertz on a fourth-and-3 in the second quarter for a first down. He also hit the tight end for a five-yard touchdown on third-and-goal in the second period. The veteran tight end has been Daniels’ security blanket all season long.
Ertz even sealed the deal for the Commanders on special teams: He recovered an onside kick in the fourth quarter.
The 12-year veteran tight end finished with five catches, 28 yards and a touchdown.
Commanders’ fourth down efficiency shines again
The Commanders converted on an NFL-best 87% of their fourth downs during the regular season. Washington was an impressive 3 of 4 on fourth downs in their matchup vs. Detroit.
Whether it’s the Rams or the Eagles, Commanders’ opponent next week is going to have to prepare to play all four downs.
Commanders’ run defense remains unimpressive
The Commanders had the third worst run defense in the NFL during the regular season, allowing 137 yards per game. Washington gave up 201 yards on the ground. Jahmyr Gibbs rushed 14 times for 105 yards and a touchdown.
Washington’s defensive unit did, however, force five turnovers (four interceptions, one fumble recovery).
The Commanders have to tighten up their run defense in advance of the NFC championship game. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley rushed for 296 yards and four touchdowns on Washington during the regular season.
Lions defense must get healthy this offseason
The Lions season ended with 13 defensive players on injured reserve, including defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, defensive lineman Alim McNeill and cornerback Carlton Davis.
Detroit ranked 20th in the NFL in total defense. They will go into the into the offseason having given up 45 points and 482 total yards in a disappointing finish to a once-promising season.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.