Six takeaways from Washington’s playoff win

It’s easy to see the box score and see Washington allowed 521 total yards. That’s why, sometimes, box scores can be deceiving. But while you’re looking at that box score, check out the turnover column, where the Commanders led 5-0. That proved to be the difference in the game; so many played a part. First, the offense and Jayden Daniels. How can a rookie quarterback go on the road, in that environment, play that well, and never put the ball in danger?

But let’s give credit to Joe Whitt’s defense. First, there was Dorance Armstrong’s sack of Jared Goff. He forced a fumble, and Frankie Luvu recovered. That was a game-altering play. The Commanders were potentially going to be down 14-3, but instead, Daniels led them down the field to a 10-7 lead. There was rookie Mike Sainristil and his two interceptions. The one at the end of the first half was a huge blow to the Lions, preventing them from scoring and cutting into Washington’s lead before halftime.

What about Quan Martin’s first career pick-six? Another game-changing play. Finally, safety Jeremy Chinn ended things with an interception with less than a minute remaining.

This was a quality performance from a defense that bent but never broke, which is exactly how what you’d need to take down the Lions. Washington’s defensive line, specifically Armstrong and Jonathan Allen had multiple pressures on Goff against an outstanding offensive line.