DETROIT (AP) — Jayden Daniels threw for 2 touchdowns in a flawless efficiency by Washington’s dazzling rookie, and the Commanders surprised the Detroit Lions 45-31 on Saturday night time to succeed in the NFC championship sport for the primary time since successful the Tremendous Bowl 33 years in the past.
The sixth-seeded Commanders (14-5) have been almost double-digit underdogs in opposition to the Tremendous Bowl favourite Lions (15-3) and overcame doubts as they did all season with a rookie quarterback, new coach and basic supervisor.
Detroit, the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the primary time, doomed its possibilities by turning it over 5 occasions.
Washington rookie Mike Sainristil had two interceptions, together with one on a trick play with receiver Jameson Williams throwing into protection off a reverse within the fourth quarter. And Quan Martin returned a decide 40 yards for a landing.
Jared Goff threw three picks and misplaced a fumble, turning it over thrice within the ill-fated first half.
Daniels completed with 299 yards passing and 51 yards speeding, and — simply as necessary — did not flip the ball over.
First-year coach Dan Quinn led Washington to its first playoff win in 19 years final week. The Commanders rallied previous Tampa Bay for his or her sixth comeback win and fifth straight on the ultimate play from scrimmage in regulation or time beyond regulation.
The Commanders, who transformed 3 of 4 fourth downs, did not let Detroit maintain it that shut.
Washington outscored Detroit 28-14 within the second quarter — the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff historical past — to take a 31-21 lead at halftime.
