Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels stunned top-seed Detroit Lions as the Commanders reached their first NFC title game in 33 years. Daniels threw for two touchdowns and had a dazzling performance, sending the Lions to an early playoff exit.
The sixth-seeded Commanders (14-5) were nearly double-digit underdogs against Super Bowl favourites (15-3), but Daniels’ impressive playmaking ability helped them pull off the upset. Fellow rookie Mike Sainristil had two interceptions, while Safety Quan Martin returned a pick 40 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.
Daniels finished with 299 yards passing and 51 yards rushing, becoming the second rookie quarterback to knock off a top-seeded team. He set a rookie record one week after leading his team in yards rushing and passing in a playoff win.
The Commanders outscored Detroit 28-14 in the second quarter, taking a 31-21 lead at halftime. Daniels had 242 yards passing in the first half, and Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 105 yards and two touchdowns.
Washington’s victory sets them up for a spot in the Super Bowl against the winner of Sunday’s Los Angeles Rams-Philadelphia Eagles game next Sunday on the road.
Source: https://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/12118/13292082/washington-commanders-45-31-detroit-lions-quarterback-jayden-daniels-sends-top-seeds-detroit-to-playoff-exit