Ten Promising Reasons Why the Detroit Lions Will Beat the Washington Commanders

As the Detroit Lions prepare to face the Washington Commanders in their highly anticipated playoff matchup, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with predictions. The Lions have emerged as a dominant force this season, while the Commanders have shown resilience. However, here are ten compelling reasons why the Lions are poised to come out on top in their next game:

1. Home-Field Advantage

Ford Field will serve as a fortress for the Lions. The raucous support from the Detroit faithful provides an undeniable boost, creating a challenging environment for visiting teams. The energy from the crowd often translates into inspired performances from the Lions, and the Commanders will find it difficult to operate smoothly amidst the noise.

2. Rest and Preparation

As the NFC’s top seed, the Lions benefited from a first-round bye, giving them extra time to rest and prepare. This additional time allows players to recover from minor injuries and gives the coaching staff an opportunity to devise a tailored game plan to exploit the Commanders’ weaknesses.

3. Jared Goff’s Veteran Leadership

Jared Goff has been in this position before, leading the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl appearance in 2019. This season, Goff has been exceptional, with over 4,600 passing yards and 37 touchdowns. His poise, decision-making, and ability to lead under pressure make him a critical asset for the Lions in high-stakes games.

4. Explosive Offense

The Lions boast one of the most potent offenses in the league, averaging 33.2 points per game. Their balanced attack, featuring an aerial assault led by Goff and a strong ground game, makes them difficult to defend. With multiple playmakers on the field, the Lions can exploit any defensive lapses by the Commanders.

5. Dynamic Rushing Duo

Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery form one of the NFL’s most dynamic running back tandems. Gibbs’ explosive speed and Montgomery’s power-running style provide a perfect balance. Together, they’ve consistently worn down opposing defenses, and their versatility will pose a significant challenge for the Commanders.

6. Commanders’ Inexperience at Key Positions

The Commanders are starting rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has shown promise but lacks playoff experience. Facing the Lions’ stout defense in a hostile environment will be a tall order for the young signal-caller. Mistakes under pressure could swing momentum decisively in the Lions’ favor.

7. Stifling Defense

Detroit’s defense has been one of the most improved units in the league, ranking 7th overall. Led by standout players like Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions have excelled at stopping the run, pressuring quarterbacks, and forcing turnovers. Their ability to control the line of scrimmage will be a key factor in neutralizing the Commanders’ offensive threats.

8. Turnover Battle

The Lions have been exceptional in protecting the ball and capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes. Their positive turnover differential has been a critical factor in their success this season. Against a Commanders team that has struggled with giveaways, the Lions are well-positioned to take advantage.

9. Coaching Edge

Dan Campbell’s leadership has transformed the Lions into a disciplined, tough, and resilient team. His ability to motivate players and make crucial in-game adjustments gives Detroit an edge over the Commanders’ coaching staff. Campbell’s aggressive and creative approach is perfectly suited for playoff football.

10. Team Momentum and Confidence

The Lions ended the regular season with a league-best 15-2 record, demonstrating consistency and dominance. This momentum, coupled with the belief instilled by their remarkable season, makes the Lions a formidable opponent. The Commanders, while talented, will face a team playing with supreme confidence and focus.

Final Thoughts

While the Washington Commanders have shown they are a resilient and talented team, the Detroit Lions’ combination of offensive firepower, defensive strength, and veteran leadership makes them clear favorites in this matchup. The Lions have all the tools to control the game and secure a decisive victory, moving one step closer to their Super Bowl aspirations.

Fans in Detroit are brimming with hope and excitement, and with good reason. If the Lions execute their game plan and play to their strengths, it’s hard to see the Commanders leaving Ford Field with a win.

Coaches have been fired for our Raiders year after year, but Detroit is reaping the benefits of their patience, and this is how life in the NFL used to be. Happy for Detroit!

Detroit Lions’ Patience Pays Off: A Stark Contrast to the Raiders’ Coaching Carousel

In a league that often thrives on immediacy, the Detroit Lions are a shining example of the benefits of patience and stability. Under the steady leadership of head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, the Lions have gone from perennial rebuilders to NFC powerhouses with a 15-2 record and the top seed in the conference. This approach stands in stark contrast to the turmoil faced by teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, who have cycled through head coaches year after year in a desperate bid to turn things around.

The Raiders’ Coaching Carousel

Since 2000, the Raiders have gone through an astonishing 12 head coaches, averaging a change every two seasons. Each new hire brought promises of a fresh start, but the lack of continuity has hampered the team’s ability to build a cohesive identity. Short-term thinking, mid-season firings, and constant overhauls have created an unstable environment for players, staff, and fans alike.

For instance, the midseason firing of Josh McDaniels in 2023 marked another chapter in the Raiders’ ongoing saga of turbulence. While interim coaches like Rich Bisaccia showed flashes of potential, the organization repeatedly failed to commit to a long-term vision, setting the team back time and time again.

Detroit’s Commitment to Stability

The Lions, however, represent what the NFL used to be: a place where patience with a coaching staff was the norm rather than the exception. After enduring a rocky 3-13-1 debut season in 2021, Campbell and Holmes were given the time and resources to execute their vision. The results speak for themselves.

In just three seasons, Campbell has transformed the Lions into a hard-nosed, disciplined team with one of the league’s most balanced rosters. The 2024 campaign has been the culmination of this patient approach, with the Lions finishing atop the NFC and heading into the playoffs with championship aspirations.

The Benefits of Patience

Detroit’s success highlights the advantages of sticking with a plan:

• Player Development: A stable coaching staff allows players to grow in a consistent system. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jared Goff, and a retooled defense have all flourished under Campbell’s leadership.
• Team Identity: The Lions’ gritty, resilient playing style reflects Campbell’s personality, creating a clear identity that fans and players rally around.
• Long-Term Results: By trusting the process, Detroit avoided the pitfalls of constant change, allowing the team to build a sustainable contender.

Lessons for the Raiders

The Raiders can learn a lot from Detroit’s blueprint. While quick fixes may seem appealing, sustained success requires commitment, patience, and trust in leadership. Instead of chasing the next big name, the Raiders need to focus on finding a coach and general manager who share a unified vision and then give them the time to execute it.

A Bright Future for Detroit

As the Lions prepare for their playoff run, their story is a reminder of how patience can turn even the most downtrodden franchise into a contender. For Raiders fans, it’s a bittersweet contrast to the chaos that has defined their team in recent years.

Detroit’s resurgence is proof that stability isn’t just a virtue; it’s a winning strategy in the NFL.

Ben Johnson is the NFL’s most sought-after head coaching prospect. One team is his ideal fit and offers him $212 million

Black Monday is a day that many staffers across the NFL dread every year. The day in which we get most of the news regarding which coaches have been let go from their respective teams. It’s a day that we shouldn’t forget is an incredibly human day. Whole staffs are fired in addition to head coaches. Families all throughout the league will be completely upended by it. Prior to discussing the head coach hiring cycle, I like to keep those kinds of things in mind. You’re talking about lives and livelihoods, not just trying to make the numbers work.

Nevertheless, a number of organizations are currently in need of a head coach and are able to begin interviewing potential coaches (some are already in the process).

The Chicago Bears are one of those clubs; on Sunday, they ended their 10-game and 11-game losing streaks to the Packers in the last week of the season. Caleb Williams, a rookie quarterback, accomplished a feat that had become so elusive for the team on his first visit to Lambeau Field. Not by yourself, of course. Thomas Brown, the Bears’ interim head coach, deserves praise for handling a field goal situation at the end of the game well and securing his first victory in the role. As the Bears search for their 19th head coach, general manager Ryan Poles said Brown will have a thorough, official interview for the permanent role.

Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, is another name that has been at the top of most Bears fans’ wish lists, even though his team isn’t nearly finished playing football yet. With the first-round bye, Johnson will have more time on his hands because Detroit defeated the Minnesota Vikings in a thrilling Week 18 game to claim the top spot and the NFC North. Teams will be allowed to interview him (along with defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn) remotely starting Wednesday and must finish those interviews by January 13, according to the NFL’s new hiring cycle regulations.

The Bears have apparently already indicated interest in interviewing Johnson, and why wouldn’t they? Johnson led the league’s top-scoring offense, with Detroit averaging over 33 points per game in the regular season.

Johnson’s offenses have been the gold standard over the previous two seasons. He’s diabolical in his playcalling and draws up new wrinkles weekly. His teammates also just seem to be having fun playing for him. He asks them to do some wild stuff, like asking right tackle Penei Sewell to throw a pass, or catch a pass, or run a fake reverse, or lead block, or play left tackle. The schemes Johnson dreamed up for “Sonic and Knuckles” a.k.a. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, resulted in both players surpassing 1,000 scrimmage yards, even with Monty getting hurt down the stretch. Gibbs went off for four touchdowns in the season finale. Johnson gets ideas from everywhere, even broken plays that ended up succeeding. In the Bears’ last game against them, Johnson called a fake fumble play where Goff purposefully fell, Gibbs hit the mat and players cried out “fumble” as tight end Sam LaPorta leaked out and got a wide-open touchdown.

Johnson got it during the Chicago vs. Packers game in 2023, when quarterback Jordan Love actually fumbled the ball, but it froze the linebackers long enough for Luke Musgrave, the Packers tight end, to get wide open and Love still scored.

If Johnson decides to leave, which is still a possibility, he will be the most sought-after head coach in this cycle because of things like that. It would be unwise of Chicago not to pursue him.

In addition to being the Bears’ best bet, Johnson’s top choice is Chicago.

The team’s 2024 first-overall selection, Williams, would be developed by Johnson. Williams had an outstanding season statistically even though he took the most sacks of any quarterback in the league. His 3,451 yards of passing rank fifth among all Bears quarterbacks. His 20 touchdowns this season rank 12th among all quarterbacks in franchise history and are the most since Mitch Trubisky’s 24 in 2018. Williams threw just six interceptions.

Williams’ stats are impressive not only in Bears history but also in the league’s rookie quarterback annals. During the broadcast, a stat table flashed on the screen that showed Williams’ ranking first in touchdown touchdown-to-interception ratio among 28 quarterbacks picked first overall since 1967. His completion rate of 62.5% ranks fourth.

A kid like that? Johnson can make that work. He has already gotten the most out of quarterback Jared Goff, who was traded to Detroit in exchange for Matthew Stafford by the Rams. Despite being virtually abandoned, Goff finished second in this season’s completion rate. So did his 4,629 throwing yards. According to Next Gen Stats, his 0.25 EPA/dropback also placed him second in the league. Goff was leading the Lions’ potent offense, not just helping it along. Much of that is related to the plan Johnson has conceived of and the resources he has given Goff. Under Johnson, Goff has just become a more assured and effective quarterback. He performs better under pressure and assesses defenses more accurately. It was enough to sign him to an extension this past offseason that will pay him up to $212 million. In terms of average contract value, Goff is the sixth-highest-paid quarterback.

Imagine if Johnson did that for Williams by his second contract.

Williams alone should entice Johnson, but the Bears are no longer the only team with a promising young quarterback under center. The New England Patriots made the shocking decision to terminate Jerod Mayo after just one season on Sunday — not even waiting until Black Monday to do it. The Patriots are also predicted to have the most cap space in the NFL for 2025, at just over $130 million, according to Spotrac. In his last game as head coach, Mayo coached the Patriots out of the first overall pick with the win, though New England will still be picking in the top five. But you might argue that their roster needs more than the Bears’ does.

Plus, Chicago is anticipated to have nearly $80 million in salary space this summer themselves, which ranks sixth. They’ll also have eight draft selections, including four in the top 100.

Additionally, the Bears have signed long-term contracts with players like tight end Cole Kmet and wide receiver D.J. Moore. Rome Odunze, a rookie wide receiver, and Williams are both under team control until 2028. Work along the offensive line will have to be done. Knowing what we do about Johnson’s tenure in Detroit, there will need to be running back reinforcements, too. But it’s a nice bunch to work with.

The Bears have significant defensive problems up front, but if everyone is healthy, their secondary and linebacker room are on level with Detroit’s. Chicago looks like the easiest route to go when compared to what the Patriots need in terms of offensive line, receivers, running backs, edge rushers, linebackers, and defensive backs.

Johnson is already familiar with the division, too. That matters for someone who spends so much time playing chess with his opponents. Johnson uses trick plays and impossible looks in every game. He finds weaknesses in his opponent and exploits them more effectively than other people. Johnson would have all of that information already in place with only minor divisional shakeups.

Not only does Johnson make sense for the Bears, but the Bears also make sense for Johnson. The only thing left to decide is if Chicago’s executives are prepared to pay for the most desirable head coach available and hold off on doing so. Johnson won’t come cheap and the Bears aren’t known for their generosity.

They also have a distinct hierarchy inside the company. In addition to ownership, Johnson would also report to Poles and team president Kevin Warren.

On the field, however, Johnson and the Bears appear to be the most suitable combination of the open positions.

Carmen Vitali works for FOX Sports as an NFL reporter. Carmen formerly worked for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and The Draft Network. She played with the Bucs for six seasons, including 2020, when she won the Super Bowl and participated in the boat parade. Carmen may be followed at @CarmieV on Twitter.

The Lions’ defense gets a boost as they add a DB to their active roster and welcome back Kwon Alexander

The Detroit Lions made two changes to their roster on Saturday afternoon, just before their game against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17.

The back end of Detroit’s team has changed since senior Carlton Davis broke his jaw and had to go on injured reserve.

Along with Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, and Emmanuel Moseley, cornerback Morice Norris was added to the active list to give the team more depth.Norris is a free agent from Fresno State who wasn’t picked in the draft. He stood out early in training camp and has stayed on the team’s practice squad.

Norris joins the team before they play the San Francisco 49ers again in the NFC Championship. Deshea Townsend, the defensive backs coach, said that the team wasn’t putting more focus on this game than any other, even though the stakes were higher.

“I feel like this is the most important game because the next one is so important.” That’s always how we think. The guys really understand from Dan that the next game is the most important, whether they win, lose, or tie.

Kwon Alexander is back on the team’s practice squad. He played in two games for Detroit after being signed off of the Broncos’ practice in late November.He was probably waived earlier in the week to make room for players who were coming back from injured reserve.

Dan Campbell talked about what Alexander brought to the team while he was on the active squad. Campbell thinks the team will need Alexander again later this year.

During the Lions’ Week 18 victory against the Vikings, Sam LaPorta broke an NFL record

Sam LaPorta of the Lions shattered a Packers franchise record.

The Detroit Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings 31-9 on Sunday night, breaking personal franchise records.The Lions get home field advantage for the first time in franchise history. Sam LaPorta, the team’s top tight end, also achieved a historic milestone.

In just two years, the second-year tight end has surpassed former Green Bay Packers standout Keith Jackson’s record of 144 career receptions. The Lions PR team validated LaPorta’s TE record on X. LaPorta’s catches include his postseason totals from last year.

LaPorta caught seven receptions on all seven of his targets inside Ford Field, with both the NFC North championship and the No. 1 seed at stake. He had 63 receiving yards as the Lions recorded their eighth game of scoring 30 points or more. He blasted the Vikings with this 17-yard grab, his longest of the game.

Big-time grab for a pickup of 17 from @samlaporta#MINvsDET | 📺 NBC pic.twitter.com/8EJusNI5NI

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 6, 2025

LaPorta finished the regular season with 60 catches, 726 yards, and seven touchdowns. He is also making his second appearance in the playoffs. He is not, however, the first Lions player to reach that milestone.

Sam LaPorta joins previous Lions stars in achieving this postseason accomplishment.

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

When the Lions drafted LaPorta, they hoped to break their six-season playoff drought. He has subsequently developed as one of the league’s top young tight ends.

In addition to breaking Jackson’s record, LaPorta joined one past Lions standout in accomplishing this unusual franchise playoff achievement. He joined Johnnie Morton as the first Lions offensive weapon to reach the postseason in his first two years of career.

In 1994 and 1995, the former first-round wide out from USC made the playoffs in the Motor City. Morton arrived in Detroit as the 21st overall choice in the 1994 draft. He scored one touchdown in limited action his rookie year. The Lions ended 9-7 overall before losing 16-12 to the rival Packers in the first round.

Morton then returned to lead a seven-game victory streak to end 1995. He finished fourth in receptions with 44 and third in touchdown catches with eight. However, the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Detroit Lions 58-37 in the NFC Wild Card round.

LaPorta has established himself as the Lions’ sophomore NFL standout. Only this time, he is leading the conference’s top overall seed into the playoffs. LaPorta and the Lions now have some time off before playing the NFC’s lowest remaining seed during the weekend of January 18.

Lorenzo J. Reyna has joined ClutchPoints as Associate Editor of NFL & NCAA Football. He has previous expertise in both worlds, having worked at Pro Football Network and Heavy, as well as writing for 247 Sports. His Twitter/X username is @LJ_Reyna, and his Instagram account is @lj_zo_rey.

Detroit Lions are allegedly ready for many departures this offseason including who will succeed Ben Johnson?

The Detroit Lions went into the 2024 NFL season knowing that this was their best opportunity to win a Super Bowl. Despite several injuries on both sides of the ball, the Lions are projected to be one of the top NFL teams in 2024, but they are allegedly concerned about what lies ahead.

Detroit has been fortunate in previous years with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, one of the top NFL coaching contenders, consistently declining head-coaching offers. However, head coach Dan Campbell and the Lions coaching staff were aware that Johnson would eventually go.

Weeks before the NFL coaching carousel begins, reports have arisen that the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears may be on Johnson’s radar. He is likely to conduct head-coaching interviews, and he may not be the only one departing the Lions in 2025.

According to CBS Sports NFL expert Jonathan Jones, Campbell is “prepared” to lose both of his coordinators this summer. Johnson and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn are both highly sought after by many clubs, and both are expected to be named as head coaches this summer.

Losing both coordinators may have a huge impact on a club the next season. After reaching Super Bowl LVII, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon both left for head coaching positions in 2023.

Philadelphia began the next season 10-1 before imploding in the second half, ending the regular season 11-6 and losing 32-9 in the Wild Card Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Similarly, the San Francisco 49ers won Super Bowl XXIX before losing both coordinators the following summer. San Francisco fell in the Divisional Round the following season.

Who will succeed Ben Johnson?

The degree of interest in Johnson over the years has allowed Campbell time to assess the Lions coaching staff and determine who may be the next offensive coordinator in Detroit.

According to Jones, possibilities for the next Lions offensive coordinator include associate head coach and running backs coach Scottie Montgomery, offensive line coach Hank Fraley, and passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand.

“Detroit is going to try to keep people there, whether that’s with salary or titles.”

Source on Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn possibly poaching members of the Detroit Lions’ coaching staff.

In February, reports suggested that Engstrand may be Johnson’s replacement. The 42-year-old is largely regarded as a rising star in the NFL, and he has previously sparked interest in offensive coordinator positions.

If Johnson and Glenn are both named as head coaches, they will undoubtedly try to steal members of the Lions’ coaching staff. While Detroit will undoubtedly be able to prevent some of those movements with promotions and salary hikes, the Lions are certain to lose more than four coaching staff members this summer. Furthermore, Lions deputy general manager Ray Agnew may join either Glenn or Johnson in a package deal, bringing members of the Lions front office with him to a new team.