While Sunday’s road matchup against the Washington Commanders didn’t carry playoff implications, the Detroit Lions came into it looking for payback against the team that had ended their postseason run last year.
After falling flat in a disappointing home loss to the Minnesota Vikings the previous week, Detroit entered this game eager to restore confidence and consistency..
“We’ve got to play cleaner football and take care of our own business,” head coach Dan Campbell told radio announcer Dan Miller before the game. “We have to create turnovers, not give the other team confidence. Coming off a loss, the best way to get our swagger back is to go on the road and earn a win.”
Campbell Takes Over the Play Sheet
Observers quickly noticed something new about Campbell’s presence on the sideline. Early in the game, television cameras showed him wearing glasses and communicating constantly through his headset before each snap — a strong sign he had taken over the offensive play-calling.
Although that wasn’t confirmed until halftime, the change was obvious. The Lions’ offense looked sharper, faster, and far more balanced. Campbell later explained that he wanted to “switch things up” while still leaning on offensive coordinator John Morton’s input.
The impact was immediate. Detroit’s offense attacked at will, mixing run and pass with ease. In the second half, wide receiver Jameson Williams found the end zone, while Kalif Raymond also got more opportunities as the team spread the ball around.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Campbell hinted during the week that he had a few new ideas to help spark the offense, and his plan clearly worked. Early in the first quarter, TV cameras caught him with a play sheet, actively calling out plays. Morton appeared to be offering support but not leading the charge.
Quarterback Jared Goff and the offense found a rhythm almost immediately. A balanced 10-play, 78-yard opening drive ended with running back Jahmyr Gibbs catching a 14-yard touchdown pass. Detroit would go on to surpass 500 yards of total offense by the final whistle, their most productive game of the year.
Payne Ejected for Hitting St. Brown
The game’s intensity boiled over midway through the second quarter. Washington defensive lineman Daron Payne was ejected after striking Amon-Ra St. Brown in the facemask following Gibbs’ 13-yard touchdown run.
The score itself came after extra effort from St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta, who helped push Gibbs across the goal line. As St. Brown walked by Payne after the play, the defender lashed out, prompting immediate disqualification.
The personal foul yardage was enforced on the two-point conversion, which Detroit successfully converted to extend its lead to 22–3.
Defense Starts Strong, Slows Late
With rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels sidelined, Washington turned to veteran Marcus Mariota under center. Detroit’s defense handled him well in the first half, aside from one drive that ended in a field goal after a long kick return.
Mariota went 7-for-11 for 98 yards before halftime, but the Commanders’ rushing attack was stifled, averaging just 2.9 yards per carry. Detroit forced two punts in the opening half and built a commanding 25–10 lead by the break.
Washington’s offense found more success in the second half. Mariota guided a nine-play, 69-yard drive capped by a fourth-down touchdown pass to Deebo Samuel, cutting Detroit’s lead to two possessions.
Jameson Williams Shines in Expanded Role
Before the season, Detroit’s coaching staff had emphasized that Jameson Williams was primed for a breakout year. But through the first half of the campaign, fans grew frustrated with his limited usage.
That changed in Washington. Williams was an integral part of the game plan, seeing six targets by early in the fourth quarter. He converted all six into catches for 119 yards and a touchdown, giving the offense a deep-threat presence it had been missing.
Detroit’s 44–22 win not only erased the sting of last week’s defeat but also showcased a rejuvenated offensive identity under Campbell’s direct influence. If Sunday’s performance is any indication, the Lions’ attack may have rediscovered its bite at the perfect time in the season.
