On Saturday night, the Washington Commanders pulled off an incredible upset of the No. 1 seed Detroit Lions, 45-31. Now, the Commanders will play in the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the 1991 season.
The Commanders scored 45 points and 481 total yards of offense against the Lions in Detroit. Jayden Daniels had another exceptional performance, throwing for 299 yards with two touchdowns and rushing for 51 yards.
On defense, the Commanders gave up a ton of yards but played tight when it mattered most. The unit forced five turnovers, and the offense was able to take advantage.
Now, let’s identify the studs and duds from this performance.
Stud: QB Jayden Daniels
Does this pick surprise anybody? The rookie signal-caller looked like a 10-year veteran on the road against the NFC’s best team.
Daniels racked up 350 total yards and threw two TD passes. The rookie did not turn the ball over and looked poised all night. Nobody could have asked for more or expected better from the rookie passer.
Jayden Daniels is for real, folks. The rookie is only getting started, too, which should make the rest of the NFL very nervous.
Dud: Defensive line (other than Dorance Armstrong)
The Washington defensive line was disappointing at Ford Field.
The unit was gashed on the ground by Jahmyr Gibbs, letting the running back accumulate 105 yards and two TDs. Dorance Armstrong was the only player to get a sack, picking up two on the night.
Daron Payne, Sheldon Day, Jonathan Allen, and Jer’Zhan Newton combined for just one tackle on the night.
Stud: WR Dyami Brown
Dyami Brown is picking the perfect time to play up to his potential. The wide receiver has dominated the playoffs, and Saturday night was another huge game.
Brown ended the game with six catches for 98 yards. The WR led the team in catches and receptions. This is just a week after Brown caught five passes for 89 yards and one score last weekend.
Brown has been incredible and gives Daniels another reliable option going forward.
Stud: Brian Robinson Jr.
Brian Robinson Jr. had been on a cold streak entering this game. It’s safe to say that is no longer the case after Saturday.
Robinson rushed for 77 yards and two TDs on Saturday. It was the first time Robinson found the end zone since December 1 against the Tennessee Titans.
The Commanders will need everybody to contribute if they plan on continuing this miracle run. It’s nice to see Robinson break out of his slump.
Stud: CB Mike Sainristil
Mike Sainristil had arguably his best game as a pro on Saturday.
The Michigan product collected five tackles, two pass deflections, and two interceptions. It was Sainristil’s first game with multiple INTs and his third and fourth of the year, respectively.
Sainristil was also responsible for covering Jameson Williams and held the speedy receiver to one catch for 19 yards on four targets.
