The Dark Horse: An Apex Predator

This game has so much potential to be more than what is being shown at face value. What I mean by that is I believe that most people will have the Lions winning this game. Jayden Daniels has proven himself every week, and playoffs or not, he’s here to cause some mayhem in Detroit.

Last week, the Commanders, led by Daniels, had a surging fourth quarter drive to help bring them into field goal range that would ultimately win them the game. Daniels was cool under pressure, accurately delivered the ball, and kept the drive and plays going with his legs. While this team is made up of a lot of young talent, they seem to not be caught up in the drama of playoffs. Each game is like the last, and if you put more importance on the game, you will feel the weight more. Not this team. Between guys like Daniels, Terry McLaurin, Brain Robinson Jr., and Austin Ekeler. Then you get to their defensive side, which is made up of guys like Jeremy Chinn, Bobby Wagner, Marshon Lattimore, and Daron Payne. This team is chalk-full of talent. So, how do they take out arguably the best team in the NFC? I say, attack in the pass game. This Lions team finished the season ranked second to last in pass defense. Daniels can put the ball where he wants and extend plays if there is no one open. The Commanders must attack on offense, relentlessly. If they slip, and their defense loses their ground, it will be hard to come back against this dominant team. The Lions finished the regular season first in points for with 33.2. If, and I mean if, the Commanders get started early and are able to hold the Lions for a little bit, keeping the game always in reach, I think they have a shot. If not, then the Lions win 28-24.

As I just stated, it’s hard to go against this team from Detroit. They have been basically perfect all year, and outside of a few hiccups and injuries, they’ve cruised in every game they’ve played. Led by their fearless head coach Dan Campbell, this team has an edge and a fight that we have not seen out of Detroit since Barry Sanders. They got Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Jameson Williams, and they just got David Montgomery back. This offense can bang, believe that. Plus, they have so much talent on defense between Kerby Joseph, Jack Campbell, Brian Branch, Alex Anzalone, and Terrion Arnold. I think the keys for Detroit will be the same they’ve had all season. Play hard, play clean, play fast, and execute. A simple, vague formula, but one that has been essential to this team’s success. I think something that can hurt this Detroit team is their aggressiveness. If they get gung-ho on fourth down and are unable to convert, and let Washington capitalize on their failed conversions, the Lions may start trying to bite off more than they can chew to come back from their mistakes. They’re pretty good at not compiling mistakes, keeping a short memory like a goldfish, but don’t even walk near that trap. There may be some pressure for Detroit, as they’ve never had a season like this, and their starving fans expect a lot. Don’t let that creep into your mind. Play your game and keep pushing towards the ultimate goal.

POSTGAME:

I texted my friends mid-game and said, “If the Commanders win this game, they’re going to the Super Bowl.” If you can beat Detroit, away, I believe they can beat Philly. Now before we get to that, let’s talk about that performance we just witnessed. Because oh my Lord. If you were still doubting, I’m not sure why, you will have been thoroughly disproven by Jayden Daniel’s last performance. 22/31, throwing for 299 yards and 2 TDs. He also took zero sacks and had 51 rushing yards, which was 26 yards off the team leader in Brian Robinson Jr. He didn’t make mistakes in playoff football. He executed, extended, and remained cool. That is what you look for in a franchise QB. The Lions, however, did not play their game. They turned the ball over way too much, forcing it into tight spots, trying to make up for lost ground. Jared Goff did not play to the standards set by the team this regular season, especially set by him. He did get shaken up a few times and had to go to the blue tent for injury, so that definitely didn’t help, but their defense was getting lit up left and right. Washington only had three drives, excluding their two kneel downs, that didn’t come away with points. That is the level of precision needed to move forward, and Daniels has got that in his bag. Washington seemingly has that in their bag. They will take on a tough Philly team at home, but I believe this team is made of sterner stuff. I believe they can execute on their gameplan, offensively and defensively, and blow the doors off this team. It’ll be a tougher defense to contend with, but if they can stop the run, I believe in their chances.