The Detroit Lions’ playoff run ended unexpectedly on Saturday night with a 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round. As the No. 1 seed, the Lions were heavily favored, but their defense failed to make crucial stops, and quarterback Jared Goff struggled.
Goff completed 23 of 40 passes for 313 yards, one touchdown, three interceptions, and a fumble. It was the first time since Week 10, when he threw five interceptions against the Houston Texans, that Goff committed four or more turnovers in a game.
Despite a strong performance from second-year running back Jahmyr Gibbs, the Commanders’ defense made things difficult for Goff and the passing game. In addition to the turnovers, they sacked Goff twice and hit him seven times.
Lions fans grew concerned about Goff’s health in the second quarter after he threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Commanders safety Quan Martin. Goff took a hard hit from linebacker Frankie Luvu, which caused him to miss a few snaps. Backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater briefly took over while Goff was evaluated.
Fortunately, Goff returned to the game, but the hit raised concerns at the time. On Monday, Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network confirmed that Goff was not placed in concussion protocol after the game.
The rumors surrounding Goff’s injury were understandable, given he had to leave the field, but it was reassuring that he wasn’t in concussion protocol and finished the game, even though the Lions didn’t get the desired result.
With the team falling short of expectations this season, attention will now turn to Goff and the future of the Lions, particularly with potential coaching staff changes in the offseason.