Detroit’s dream season ended in crushing disappointment Saturday in a one-and-done playoff loss to the Washington Commanders.
Washington’s win was led in part by a second-straight sensational playoff performance from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. But it was sparked by a swarming defense that forced five turnovers in the 45-31 win. Four of those turnovers were committed by Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who lost the ball on a strip sack and threw three interceptions including a pick 6.
Goff’s performance drew swift criticism, with some blaming him for Detroit’s loss. Penei Sewell wasn’t hearing it. Detroit’s All-Pro right tackle made his feelings clear in no uncertain terms after the game: Goff wasn’t at fault.
Penei Sewell on people placing all the blame on Jared Goff for last night’s loss :
“It’s BULLSHIT…it’s not like he’s the one out there by himself.”
via @E_Woodyard pic.twitter.com/9UkVuCG4XB
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) January 19, 2025
“It’s bulls***,” Sewell told reporters in the postgame locker room. “I just don’t understand how a team sport, that people can put the blame on one person, at all. It’s not like he’s the one that’s out there by himself.
“I’ll never understand it. But again, that’s not my world and what I pay attention to. But it’s bulls***.”
The loss was difficult to fathom in Detroit following a 15-2 regular season that pegged the Lions as the clear favorites to advance to the Super Bowl out of the NFC. After decades of largely losing football and never playing in a Super Bowl, Detroit finally had a football team to feel good about.
That feel-good reached a screeching, shocking halt on Saturday ahead of an offseason that could changed the trajectory of the team. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn are both expected to depart for head coaching opportunities, and a repeat of 2024’s success is certainly no guarantee.
This was the best chance the Lions ever had, and the result of the season was the same as always — short of the Super Bowl. The sudden disappointment left critics in search of blame, and Goff made for an obvious and convenient target.
Questions about Goff will continue to swirl in the offseason. But for now, he’s got the backing of one of the most prominent voices on the team.
