According to Cuneyt Dil of Axios, the Washington Commanders will unveil plans for a $3 billion football stadium at the site of the team’s iconic RFK Stadium in Washington, DC. Commanders owner Josh Harris will join DC Mayor Muriel Bowser at the National Press Club for the announcement at 11:00 a.m. Monday.

The Commanders want to open the new stadium by 2030.

News of a deal between the Commanders and city officials surfaced last week in a report by NBC4 Washington. The team is reportedly committed to paying up to $2.5 billion of the stadium’s cost.

The partnership will also include public funding, likely toward the stadium’s infrastructure and surrounding development. The city’s price tag could be around $850 million.

The deal comes after years of the team pushing for a new stadium, going back to previous owner Dan Snyder.

The Commanders played at RFK Stadium under its previous team moniker from 1961-1996. The late Jack Kent Cooke moved the team’s playing home to nearby Landover, Maryland, before he died. Washington opened the stadium in September 1997.

Initially dubbed Jack Kent Cooke Stadium, the stadium changed names to FedEx Field and Northwest Stadium. Decrepit conditions have marred Washington’s current home. Harris vowed to get a new stadium once he completed the purchase of the team in July 2023.

Harris and his ownership group invested $75 million in renovations and improvements to Northwest Stadium.

Negotiations with the nation’s capital picked up recently after Congress handed over control of the land of RFK Stadium for the next 99 years, allowing the city to decide how they would use the site.

A deal still needs to be approved by the DC City Council. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) recently told The Washington Post that he opposes any public dollars going toward paying for a stadium.

While Maryland pushed to keep the Commanders, and Virginia was once in contention, the team always yearned for a return to Washington. Fans have, as well. The commute to the District is far better for fans than to the Maryland suburbs.

The Washington franchise captured its three Super Bowl titles in four appearances during its glory days from 1982 to 1991 while calling RFK Stadium home. The team’s popularity is why Cooke desired a bigger stadium.

The franchise has endured decades of embarrassment through negative headlines, oftentimes spearheaded by its former owner, Snyder. A series of sexual harassment claims surrounding Snyder and the team’s brass, along with a dispute with then-minority owners and finances, ultimately led to Snyder putting the franchise up for sale at the NFL’s urging.

Meanwhile, the team changed its moniker and dropped its controversial logo amid the negative publicity. The name “Commanders” was unveiled in February 2022 to a mixed reaction from fans.

Drawbacks from DC, Maryland, and Virginia to a new deal occurred due to the negativity surrounding Snyder.

Nonetheless, some of the prestige and excitement have been restored under Harris. In less than 24 months since buying the team, Harris has brought in General Manager Adam Peters and Head Coach Dan Quinn. Then they drafted potential franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels.

The Commanders won 12 games, the most since 1991 when the team last won a Super Bowl. They also won their first playoff game since 2006, reaching the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991.

Now, the new regime has a stadium deal in place to return to its home city.

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The tragic death of Kyren Lacy has rocked the football world. Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was at the forefront of mourning the loss of his former LSU teammate. Daniels reflected on the series of Instagram stories about his fallen friend.

Lacy died Saturday night of an apparent suicide during a police chase in Houston.

After learning of the tragic news, Daniels took to his Instagram account to post 20 heartwarming moments he and Lacy shared. One special moment occurred last year when Lacy appeared on a video call to congratulate Daniels and Malik Nabers on getting drafted.

Daniels and Lacy’s time at LSU

After both transferred to LSU, Daniels and Lacy became teammates during the 2022 collegiate season.

Lacy was a massive part of Daniels’ 2023 Heisman Trophy season at wide receiver, sharing targets with future NFL first-round picks Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. Their first touchdown link, a three-yard out route, happened that season against Grambling. From there, the two embraced in multiple touchdown celebrations.

Lacy had 30 catches for 558 yards and seven touchdowns.

Daniels’ final college touchdown pass was to Lacy. The pass was a 15-yard connection in the waning minutes of the Tigers’ 42-30 win.

Daniels reflecting on Instagram

Almost all the posts featured messages from Daniels expressing how good of a teammate Lacy was and how much he will miss him.

“ till next time brudda… We gonna hold it down for,” Daniels wrote. “U gon live yo dreams through us. hope u at peace now ”

Daniels continued:

“U always brought that energy and positivity no matter what… A real one! Showed love from the first day.”

Daniels said in another post:

“We [were] front line every time love u brudda fr”

With Daniels, Nabers, and Thomas in the NFL, Lacy blossomed into a projected first-round pick prospect behind a stellar senior season. He had 58 receptions for 866 yards and nine touchdowns.

However, his draft stock plummeted following his alleged involvement in a fatal hit-and-run accident in December. Lacy faced charges related to the car crash, including negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless operation of a vehicle. A grand jury hearing had been set for Monday in Louisiana.

Last month, Lacy participated in LSU’s Pro Day. He clocked in a 4.50-second 40-yard dash and a 36-inch vertical jump.

Lacy’s unfathomable death has left a void in the football and LSU community. Teammates and fans recognized his talent and personality throughout the day.

Daniels and other LSU teammates will carry unforgettable memories as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 NFL and NCAA seasons.

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Last season, edge rusher Dante Fowler followed his defensive coordinator to the Washington Commanders from the Dallas Cowboys. Signing a one-year deal, Fowler looked to revive his career and find a permanent NFL home.

Washington became his fifth team since he was the third overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Fowler flourished, leading the Commanders with 10.5 sacks, as the team went from four wins in the previous season to 12 in 2024.

He was one of several key contributors to the Commanders’ turnaround. In some aspects, Fowler overshadowed Washington’s other pass rusher signee, Dorance Armstrong, a former Cowboys defensive end.

Fowler’s resurgence reminded many around the NFL why he was a first-round draft pick. However, it appears insufficient to get the type of contract he would like, not from Washington.

In the wee hours of Sunday night, before the league’s legal tampering period, Fowler expressed his frustration over X/Twitter.

“The disrespect. I Can’t take it anymore,” Fowler tweeted.

Fowler’s teammate and fellow free agent, Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown seconded his tweet.

Fowler had big moments during Washington’s memorable 2024 season. He had a 67-yard pick-six against the Carolina Panthers that helped break the game open in a Washington blowout victory. He built on the momentum to collect four sacks throughout two games in Week 9 and 10.

His strip-sack of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix helped the Commanders clinch a playoff berth. After being a situational pass rusher with Dallas, Fowler played 564 defensive snaps for the Commanders.

Despite the regular-season success, Fowler was quiet during the Commanders’ three playoff games. He didn’t record a sack and was also limited to 16 defensive snaps in Washington’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.

His efforts on Washington’s first defensive play helped yield a 60-yard touchdown run by Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Fowler fell down, knocking teammate linebacker Bobby Wagner off his pursuit of Barkley.

One play doesn’t determine a player’s value. However, Fowler’s limitation on early downs undoubtedly impacts his value with teams.

Fowler’s tweet doesn’t definitive detail the situation. Yet, the timing opened the door to speculation.

Meanwhile, the Commanders were linked to multiple pass rushers ahead of the league’s free agency. The names thrown out, Trey Hendrickson, Myles Garrett, and Josh Sweat, have been more consistent and dominant in recent years than Fowler.

Garrett signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension with the Cleveland Browns following his trade request, which garnered the Commanders’ interest. Harold Landry reportedly has agreed to a three-year, $46.5 million deal with the New England Patriots, which may be more comparable to Fowler.

Landry had nine sacks with 41 pressures, playing 880 defensive snaps in 2024. According to Pro Football Focus, Landry had a 4.8% pass-rush win rate, the lowest among 64 qualified edge rushers. Meanwhile, Fowler had a 20% pass rush win rate, ranking eighth among edge rushers. He was also 21st in pressure rate.

Returning Fowler is logical if the money works. If his tweet was any indication, the two parties are not on the same page with Fowler’s value.

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Less than 24 hours after re-signing three-time Pro Bowler Zach Ertz, the Washington Commanders are returning another tight end from last season’s roster. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Commanders came to terms with John Bates on a three-year deal.

There was speculation that Bates would have a market in free agency. The signing of Ertz on Saturday left Bates’ status with the team in limbo on the surface. However, the team worked out a reported three-year deal.

John Bates was a fourth-round draft pick of Washington in 2021 under the previous regime led by Ron Rivera. Interestingly, Bates was one of a handful of Rivera’s draft picks that remained on the Commanders’ roster in 2024 and contributed to their 12-win season.

Rivera dreadfully missed the mark with his four draft classes with Washington. The previous regime had 33 draft picks over four years. None of his 2020 draft picks are with the team, including second-overall pick Chase Young. Bates becomes just the second of the 2021 class to earn a second contract with Washington behind offensive guard Sam Cosmi.

The futures of Dyami Brown, Benjamin St-Juste, and Darrick Forrest remain in limbo. Bates and Cosmi could be a rare company after this off-season. Meanwhile, only four picks remain from 2022 and 2023 combined.

How John Bates fit into the Commanders new culture

Bates missed a mere game during his first four seasons in the league. He’s been primarily a TE2 in his time with Washington. Last season, Bates’ strength of run-blocking was highlighted more under new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. As a result, Bates had career lows with eight catches and 84 yards. However, his blocking ability in the run game kept him on the field for 516 offensive snaps.

Bates is locked for three years as Washington’s blocking tight end behind Ertz’s pass-catching. Bates’ return allows last year’s second-round draft pick Ben Sinnott more time to develop as Ertz’s eventual replacement.

The Commander’s front office has targeted re-signing potential free agents who have carved out a role in setting the team’s new winning culture. Where Ertz was a locker room leader and a key contributor to the development of star rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, Bates’ attitude and acceptance of the blocking role, his mindset allowed him to fit in under Kingsbury and first-year head coach Dan Quinn.

The Commanders are loading up with offensive weapons for Daniels, including trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel to complement All-Pro wideout Terry McLaurin. Yet, Bates is just as huge with his ability to set the edge in the run game and chip block in passing.

That commitment landed John Bates a second NFL contract. Washington fended off other suitors as they yearn to return to the NFC Championship Game and beyond.

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The Washington Commanders have re-signed another locker room leader who helped build its winning culture in 2024. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Commanders have re-signed veteran tight end Zach Ertz to a one-year deal worth $6.25 million.

Ertz revitalized his career last season with the Commanders. The three-time Pro Bowler hauled 66 receptions for 654 yards and seven touchdowns. He became the safety net for star rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

He played an integral part in the development of Daniels, who won the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Daniels reacted to the news of Ertz re-signing with Washington.

Ertz had his most catches and yards since being traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Arizona Cardinals in 2021. In Arizona, his career stalled, leading to his release in November of 2023. He finished the season on the Detroit Lions’ practice squad.

Last season, he signed a one-year $3 million deal with Washington, and earned an additional $750,000 with incentives. Ertz’s signing was due to his familiarity with Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who was Ertz’s head coach during some of his time with Arizona.

Ertz led the tight end room and mentored Daniels into a breakout season. The Commanders won 12 games during the regular season and reached the NFC Championship Game before losing to the eventual Super Bowl LIX champion, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Ertz was among the roster and organization’s overhaul, which included the hiring of General Manager Adam Peters and Head Coach Dan Quinn. Now, the club is looking to build off their success. Keeping the locker room leadership that helped build their 2024 season has been a priority for the team’s brass.

Earlier this week, Washington re-signed All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner to a one-year deal for 2025. Wagner anchored the defense, and now the team has taken care of Ertz, giving Daniels back his safety net.

Zach Ertz will at least bridge the gap at tight end for another season. Washington traded for wide receiver Deebo Samuel earlier this month from the San Francisco 49ers. Both Ertz and Samuel will complement All-Pro wide receiver Terry McLaurin while bolstering Washington’s offense that ranked seventh in yards and fifth in points in 2024.

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The magical season of Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders came to a crushing end Sunday in the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Daniels threw for a game-high 255 yards and one touchdown. He also led Washington with 48 rushing yards and a touchdown.

However, his efforts could not negate four Washington turnovers, 118 rushing yards, and three touchdowns by Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley. Philadelphia controlled the pace for much of the game, cruising to a 55-23 win.

The NFL Offensive Rookie of The Year finalist appeared gutted about the disappointing 32-point loss.

“We believed that we belonged here,” a teary-eyed Daniels said, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. “I don’t want to ever feel like this again, but you got to deal with it and move on.”

Despite the agony of defeat future is bright for Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels had arguably the most outstanding rookie season by a quarterback in NFL season. The Offensive Rookie of the Year frontrunner led the Washington Commanders to their first NFC Championship Game since 1991.

The Commanders had won two postseason games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions while winning the turnover margin in each game. Washington did not commit a turnover in the wild card and divisional rounds. However, against the Eagles, Washington lost the ball four times, including a late interception by Daniels.

By all accounts, the Commanders’ locker room appeared devasted. Leaders such as star wide receiver Terry McLaurin tried to uplift the young stars in the locker room. The season was built around a brotherhood mantra, with a roster meshed together under first-year general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn.

“This sucks, this [expletive] sucks. Excuse my language, but I couldn’t be prouder of my guys,” Daniels said.

Daniels admitted he is taking the loss hard.

In his first year, Daniels had the composure of a veteran quarterback despite playing in his first NFL season. He led five-game winning drives, including against the Buccaneers in the playoffs.

Daniels also ignited a new pride among the Commanders’ fan base. His reaction to the loss shows he cares about the game. The adage is that some people hate losing more than they enjoy winning. Daniels’ postgame emotions laminates the saying.

Yet, the future is bright for the Commanders. With almost 30 pending free agents, most brought in last offseason, Washington’s locker room dynamics may change.

Yet Daniels’ potential presence for the next decade puts the Commanders in a great position to return to the NFC Championship Game. Sunday was not their day.

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The Washington Commanders offense opened the NFC Championship Game with an impressive 18-play drive—however, the opening possession ended with a 34-yard field by kicker Zane Gonzalez.

The Commanders converted two fourth downs on the drive, including a 4th-and-5 from the 43-yard line.

Washington’s efforts proved to be all for naught as the Eagles responded quickly. After a 35-yard kickoff return, Philadelphia needed just one play to score. All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley took a toss to the outside, beating Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner to the edge for a 60-yard touchdown.

The Commanders’ second offensive possession didn’t last as long as their first one. On the third play of the drive, wide receiver Dyami Brown fumbled the ball before Eagles safety Reed Blankenship recovered the ball in bounds.

Philadelphia capitalized on the good field position, taking six plays to get into the end zone. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts found wide receiver DeVonta Smith on a toe-tapping 20-yard catch. Barkley’s second run of the game went four yards for his second touchdown.

Washington is having a dreadful start to the NFC Championship Game. Despite running 22 offensive plays, the Eagles hold an early 14-3 lead in the first quarter. The Commanders have had to earn every yard along with the turnover.

Meanwhile, the Eagles are rolling, and Saquon Barkley looks unstoppable.

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The Washington Commanders are in their first NFC Championship Game in 33 years. However, they’ll be without one of their defensive line cogs. The team announced Saturday that defensive tackle Daron Payne has been downgraded to out for Sunday’s championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles with a finger and knee injury.

According to Ben Standig of The Athletic, Payne busted his finger in Washington’s wild-card round win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Yet, he landed on this week’s injury report with a knee issue.

JP Finlay of NBC Sports added that Payne was trying to get through the knee injury, but his knee was wrapped with a big ice pack. Payne will miss just his second game since being drafted in 2018.

Nonetheless, not having Payne in the lineup will be a massive loss for the Commanders’ defense, who will be tasked with slowing down the league’s best running back this season, Eagles star Saquon Barkley.

Washington elevated defensive tackle Carl Davis off the practice squad for Sunday’s game.

The Commanders used a four-man rotation in their two playoff games against Tampa Bay and the Detroit Lions. Payne played 55 of Washington’s 117 defensive snaps in those wins. Jonathan Allen, rookie Johnny Newton, and Sheldon Day were also in the DT rotation.

Allen played 66 snaps in the two playoff games; Day played 45, and Newton played 44.

How the Commanders replace Payne in the rotation may be key to stopping the Eagles’ potent offense.

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The Washington Commanders defeated the NFC’s No. 1 seed, the Detroit Lions, 45-31, to advance to their first NFC Championship Game since 1992.

The Commanders improve to 4-0 all-time in the playoffs against the Lions. Ironically, Washington defeated Detroit, 41-10, in their last appearance in the NFC Championship Game en route to a Super Bowl XXVI win over the Buffalo Bills.

Washington’s success this season has been on the shoulders of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. In his second career NFL playoff game, Daniels put on another show, throwing for 299 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 51 yards.

For the second straight week, wide receiver Dyami Brown stepped up his play, leading the team with 99 receiving yards. Yet, star wide receiver Terry McLaurin and veteran tight end Zach Ertz caught a touchdown pass.

The game was a back-and-forth offensive shootout until the Commanders’ defense broke out by forcing four interceptions and a fumble on a strip sack. The five turnovers changed the complexion of the game in favor of Washington.

The astounding team’s play led to a long-awaited conference championship birth, and here’s how they got to it.

Commanders turnover on downs leads to Lions score

The Commanders opened the game strong with a defensive three-and-out on the Lions. The offense followed up with a promising drive and got into the red zone, but the Lions’ defense forced them to a fourth-and-one.

Marcus Mariota checked into the game and tried a fake sneak but got stuffed shy of the first down before he could pitch the ball to an awaiting Jayden Daniels.

Replay showed that running back Brian Robinson may not have been on the same page about the play call as he got in Mariota’s way.

The turnover on downs gave the Lions momentum. Quarterback Jared Goff and the Lions answered the turnover with a six-play, 71-yard drive. Detroit’s running back Jahmyr Gibbs capped off the drive with a touchdown to give the Lions an early 7-0 lead.

Lions 7, Commanders 0

Dorace Armstrong strip-sacks Jared Goff

The Commanders responded as Daniels led the offense back into the red zone. However, a third-down pass to Dyami Brown broke up, forcing a 47-yard field goal from kicker Zane Gonzalez.

Commanders 3, Lions 7

The game’s first break for the Commanders happened in the second quarter when defensive end Dorace Armstrong got a strip sack off Goff, leading to a Commanders’ recovery.

With the ball back in their hands, the Commanders wanted to put six more points on the board.

Daniels completed six of his eight passes for 34 yards,including a fourth down pass to Zach Ertz to put the Commanders inside the Lions five-yard line. Three plays later, McLaurin drew a defensive pass interference against Lions defensive back Kerby Joseph inside the end zone, placing the ball at the one-yard line.

Two plays later, Brian Robinson Jr. scored Washington’s first touchdown, giving the Commanders the lead.

Commanders 10, Lions 7

Commanders respond to Sam LaPorta’s one-hand TD catch with back-to-back touchdowns

The Lions offense wasted no time getting the lead back. Goff completed six straight passes for a staggering 70 yards.

With the ball at the Commanders’ two-yard line, Goff escaped the pocket before finding his tight end Sam LaPorta, who snagged a one-hand catch in the end zone to regain the lead for the Lions.

The Commanders needed just three plays to answer LaPorta. Daniels swung a screen pass to McLaurin to beat a corner blitz from Lions defensive back Brian Branch. McLaurin outraced a pair of Lions defenders 58 yards to the end zone.

The Commanders’ defense finally had enough of the Lions’ offense having its way. Goff sailed a pass intended for Tim Patrick into the waiting hands of Commanders safety Quan Martin, who knifed through the Lions’ offense for a 40-yard pick-six, extending Washington’s lead.

Commanders 24, Lions 14

Not only did Goff throw the pick-six, but he was injured in the play when Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu blocked him. Goff was attended to and helped to the blue medical tent. Backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who spent much of the season as a high school football head coach, stepped in for Goff.

Lions score on trick play, but Commanders answer just before halftime

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson reached deep into his bag of plays and pulled out a trick play on the Commanders with Bridgewater in at quarterback.

On the drive’s third play, the Lions ran a reverse to wide receiver Jameson Willams. With a barricade of blocks ahead of him, Williams rolled ahead and cut back to open space for a phenomenal 61-yard touchdown run.

The Commanders’ defense may have fallen asleep with Bridgewater at quarterback, but destiny would not deny Washington’s offense.

The Commanders marched back to the end zone. Daniels dropped a beautiful pinpoint pass to Brown for 38 yards to the six-yard line. Three plays later, Daniels zipped the ball to Ertz in the end zone for another touchdown.

Commanders 31, Lions 21

Goff returns to throw his second interception

Jared Goff returned after sitting out the previous Lions’ possession. He appeared get right back on track, marching Detroit into Washington territory behind 41 yards through the air.

With the waning seconds of the first half ticking, Goff tried to connect with Williams on a post route into the end zone. However, Commanders rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil undercut Williams to intercept the pass.

Instead of getting points on the board, the Lions’ drive stalled with a third turnover. The Commanders took a ten-point lead into halftime.

Commanders answer Lions with 8-minute drive

The Commanders opened the second half with the ball but got forced off the field with a three-and-out. Tress Way made his first punt of the postseason after not punting during the Commanders’ wild-card round win over the Buccaneers.

Way’s punt put the Lions inside their own ten-yard line. Where they started their drive did not deter the Lions, as they marched 91 yards into the end zone with Goff and running back David Montgomery leading the way. Gibbs finished the drive with an eight-yard touchdown.

Some argue that the drive should have stalled when Commanders defensive end Dante Fowler stopped Montgomery at the Lions’ 25-yard line on a third-and-two run. However, officials flagged Fowler for a 15-yard face mask and automatic first down.

FOX replays showed Fowler grabbing Montgomery by his shoulder pad upon further review. Unfortunately, penalties are not reviewable by officials, so the call stood, and the Lions continued their scoring drive.

Lions 28, Commanders 31

The Commanders kept their foot on the pedal with a 15-play drive that covered 70 yards and lasted eight minutes and 28 seconds. Daniels drove Washington to Detroit’s five-yard line.

The Lions’ defense forced the Commanders into a fourth-and-two. Washington, as they’ve done time and time again, kept their offense on the field. Then, the Lions shot themselves in the foot, breaking the huddle with 12 men and drawing a penalty. The penalty yardage was enough to give the Commanders a first down.

With a new set of downs, Robinson barreled through the goal line for his second touchdown of the game.

Commanders 38, Lions 28

Lions trick play goes awry and leads to Sainristil’s second interception

Trailing by ten in the fourth quarter, the Lions started feeling the pressure of losing at home as the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Ben Johnson dialed up another trick play involving Williams. However, the results were disastrous this time.

Lions ran a flea flicker to Williams, but the wide receiver threw the pass into double coverage. Sainristil jumped the throw, falling to the ground for his second interception and the Lions’ fourth turnover.

The Commanders responded to the interception. On the drive’s first play, running back Austin Ekeler exploded for a 35-yard run. Still, the Commanders faced another fourth down from the Lions’ 13-yard line. Yet, Daniels didn’t fret, connecting to McLaurin for a 12-yard gain down to the one.

Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols followed the big play by plowing through for a one-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 17.

Commanders 45, Lions 28

Fourth interception seals win for Commanders

The Detroit crowd was stunned, with their number one seed Lions on the brink of getting eliminated.

The Lions, trying to keep hopes alive, went 60 yards down the field and were placed at the Commanders’ 13-yard line. But the offense came up short of the first and settled with a Jake Bates field goal.

Desperately needing the ball back, the Lions attempted an onside kick and almost came up with the ball, but Ertz recovered the loose ball to give it to his offense.

With attention on putting 50 on the scoreboard, the Commanders’ offense marched right back on the field to end any hope of a comeback.

The 26-yard drive came to an end on fourth-and-one. The Commanders didn’t need to take a big chance, so they called on Gonzalez for a field goal. Unfortunately, the kicker missed the 44-yard attempt wide left, and the Lions still had hope with 2:31 remaining.

The Lions tried to keep their season alive as the Commanders fans at Detroit’s Ford Field chanted “MVP” to their Pro Bowl QB, Jayden Daniels.

All hope ended when Goff threw his third interception to Commanders safety Jeremy Chinn.

Daniels kneeled the football with the last 25 seconds running off the clock.

Final Score: Commanders 45, Lions 31

Defying all odds against them, the Commanders are one win away from the Super Bowl. Washington will play the winner of Sunday’s game between the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles next week in the NFC Championship Game.

Key Stats

Commanders

• Passing: Jayden Daniels – 25/34, 299yds, 2 TDs
• Rushing: Brian Robinson Jr. – 15 att, 77 yds
• Receiving: Dyami Brown – 6 rec, 99 yds
• Defensive: Mike Sainristil – 4 tck, 2 int, 2 PD

Lions

• Passing: Jared Goff – 23/40, 313 yds, 1 TD, 3 INT
• Rushing: Jahmyr Gibbs– 14 att, 105 yds, TD
• Receiving: Amon-Ra St. Brown – 8 rec, 137 yds, TD
• Defensive: Alex Anzalone – 13 tck

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The Detroit Lions are the NFC’s top-ranked offense, so they don’t need much help. However, Jared Goff and Company got a hand from the NFL officials who called Saturday’s NFL Divisional Round playoff game against the Washington Commanders with a bogus face mask call.

Facing 3rd-and-2, Lions running back David Montgomery was met in the backfield by Commanders defensive end Dante Fowler for what should have been a three-yard loss at the Lions’ 25-yard line. Yet, officials flagged Fowler for a face mask, giving the Lions 15 yards and an automatic first down.

However, replay showed Fowler’s hand grabbing Montgomery at his shoulder pad and yanking him to the ground. Officials must have seen Fowler’s hands, Montgomery’s head position, and the yank and assumed Fowler grabbed the ball carrier by his mask.

Unfortunately, penalties are not reviewable. The Lions got the first down, the drive continued, and the Lions ultimately capped off the 12-play, 76-yard drive with an eight-yard touchdown from Jamyr Gibbs, his second of the game.

Many were not happy with the blown call on social media:

The Lions’ touchdown cut their deficit against the Commanders to 31-28. However, the drive should have stalled back in Detroit territory with a punt.

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