(Photo: Action Network)
NFC Divisional Playoff
(6) Washington Commanders at (1) Detroit Lions
Commanders: They have won their first playoff game in 20 years! Coincidentally, the victory came against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday just as it did all those years ago. 20 seasons is a long time and I want to take a trip down memory lane on the state of the NFL back then. Shaun Alexander was league MVP, Nick Saban was the Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins, Brett Favre led the league in interceptions, Lovie Smith won Coach of the Year, Tony Dungy was still an active coach, Drew Brees was a member of the Chargers, Ben Roethlisberger was in his second season in the league and Aaron Rodgers was a rookie. I hope that made you feel nostalgic reading that because I felt old writing it! I was so impressed with the Washington Commanders on Sunday night because when it was stacked against them, they battled through and persevered. I’ve raved about Jayden Daniels all year long and what he did against Tampa Bay was phenomenal and he appeared to act like he had been here before. That entire game changed when the Bucs fumbled the football and Washington was able to cash in on the turnover. Football is a game of momentum and it shifted their way en route to the victory. They are the lowest seed remaining and were the only road team to win in the first round of the playoffs. On Saturday night, they march into Motown for a showdown with the top seed in the NFC.
Lions: I think there were a few people who projected them to take a step back after the season they had last year. A season later, they are dangerous, more equipped, and most importantly, experienced with a year under their belts. When I last saw them play, it was against the Minnesota Vikings and this was their best all-around game next to their dominating performance against the Dallas Cowboys this year. The defense was physical with Justin Jefferson and they attacked Sam Darnold in the interior of the Vikings’ Offensive Line which forced him to make sloppy passes while on the offensive side, they pounded a strong Minnesota defense in the running game and Jahmyr Gibbs had his way running circles through them. When the Lions play how they did in week 18, there isn’t a team that can stop them and the only group that can beat them is themselves if they’re playing careless football. For the second consecutive season, they are champions of the NFC North and have locked up the top seed in the NFC Playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Despite the injuries and all the guys on injured reserve, Dan Campbell still kept this group afloat and rolling. The bye week is over and the road to New Orleans will travel through Ford Field which will start this Saturday night against the Washington Commanders.
Commanders X-Factor: Dyami Brown– What a game he had in Tampa Bay in the Wild Card round. Anytime Dyami’s number was called, he answered it and delivered. Whether you need him to deliver in a short-yardage situation or go over the top of the secondary, he can do it. Dyami isn’t the biggest guy, but he makes up for that with explosive plays and quickness with the football in his hands. He will make defense pay if you don’t attend to him. Ask the Buccaneers how that panned out for them. I expect the Commanders to get him the ball as early and often as possible.
Lions X-Factor: Z’Darius Smith– This is why you acquired him and with Aidan Hutchinson out, he will be asked to deliver and help generate the Lions pass rush. Wherever Z’Darius is, the impact tends to follow him and the guys around him feed off his energy and follow his lead. He’s disruptive in the trenches and knows how to make a Quarterback hesitate before throwing the football. It isn’t always sacks for Z’Darius as he can force fumbles, stop the run, and set the edge which will be a crucial piece to the game on Saturday night when facing Jayden Daniels.
Final Thoughts: I don’t think anyone had this matchup on the bingo card for the divisional round in the NFC, but here we are! Washington won that thrilling game over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round and the last time we saw the Lions play, they were dominating the Minnesota Vikings and won their second consecutive division title along with the number one seed in the NFC. Dan Campbell paid Jayden Daniels a very high compliment saying he doesn’t play Quarterback as if he were a rookie and I agree with him. The key for the Lions will be to disrupt Jayden’s rhythm and if they plan on winning this game comfortably, it starts with making him uncomfortable. Keeping the pressure consistent and minimizing the damage he can do with his legs, means not letting him scramble to keep drives alive. The Commanders must start quickly and try to bottle up the Lions’ ground attack, which will get reinforcement from David Montgomery. Washington can’t force their traditional power too much on this defense. I see this being a close game that will come down to the fourth quarter. I like the Lions in this game and they will advance to their second consecutive NFC title game.
Prediction: Lions 30, Commanders 28