Introduction
The Detroit Lions are coming off a strong season, with their sights set on making a deep playoff run. In the Divisional Round, they will face the Washington Commanders, a team that has shown both promise and inconsistency throughout the season. While both teams boast talented rosters, the Lions have certain key players who will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this critical postseason matchup. The Commanders, however, will have their own challenges to deal with.
In this article, we will analyze five key Lions players to watch closely during the Divisional Round game. These players will need to step up and execute their respective roles for the Lions to secure a victory and continue their playoff journey.
1. Jared Goff – Quarterback
Overview:
Jared Goff has been the face of the Detroit Lions’ offense ever since he was traded to the team from the Los Angeles Rams. Goff’s performance this season has been exceptional, with the quarterback showing that he can handle the pressures of leading a young and explosive offense. His ability to command the offense and make precise throws is crucial for the Lions’ success.
Why He’s Key:
Goff is the central piece of the Lions’ offensive game plan. The success of the offense hinges on his ability to read the defense, manage the game, and make the right throws under pressure. Against the Washington Commanders, Goff will need to display his usual poise, but he’ll also face a tough defense that can disrupt the pocket and generate turnovers.
The Commanders’ defensive front is known for applying pressure, so Goff will have to maintain his composure when the pocket breaks down. Additionally, Washington’s defensive backs can make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. While the Commanders have been inconsistent in terms of coverage, they do have talent in their secondary, including cornerbacks like Kendall Fuller, who can create turnovers if Goff is not careful.
Impact on the Game:
Goff’s performance will dictate whether the Lions’ offense can move the ball effectively. If he can stay calm under pressure, make accurate throws, and avoid mistakes, the Lions’ passing game will be a serious threat to the Commanders’ defense. Goff will need to exploit Washington’s coverage weaknesses while also dealing with the pressure from their defensive line.
What to Watch For:
- Goff’s decision-making on long throws. Can he find the right balance between aggressiveness and caution?
- His ability to read Washington’s defensive blitzes and adjust accordingly.
- His performance in third-down situations, where a strong conversion rate will keep the offense on the field and sustain drives.
2. Amon-Ra St. Brown – Wide Receiver
Overview:
Amon-Ra St. Brown has emerged as one of the most dynamic and reliable wide receivers in the NFL. His ability to create separation, run precise routes, and make difficult catches has made him a favorite target for Jared Goff. St. Brown has had an impressive season and is expected to play a major role in the Lions’ passing attack during the Divisional Round.
Why He’s Key:
St. Brown is the Lions’ top receiver, and his ability to create mismatches against Washington’s defense will be critical. The Commanders’ secondary is generally solid but vulnerable to skilled, quick receivers who can operate in short-to-medium routes. St. Brown’s crisp route running and ability to make catches in tight spaces will give Goff a reliable target, especially on key third downs and in the red zone.
Washington’s defense will likely place a lot of attention on St. Brown, and they may double-team him or have a cornerback shadow him throughout the game. However, St. Brown’s ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and make plays in tight windows could give him the edge over his defenders.
Impact on the Game:
St. Brown’s ability to move the chains and make clutch receptions in critical moments will be pivotal. If he is able to break free for big plays, it will open up the offense for other players, including the running backs and other wide receivers. In particular, his ability to make contested catches and stay composed under pressure will allow the Lions to maintain offensive rhythm.
What to Watch For:
- St. Brown’s ability to shake off tight coverage and find space in zone defenses.
- His involvement in short-yardage situations and on third downs, where he could be key to keeping drives alive.
- How Washington’s cornerbacks match up with him. Can they limit his production, or will he have another big game?
3. Jared Goff’s Protection – Offensive Line (Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow)
Overview:
While Jared Goff is the face of the offense, his success depends heavily on the protection provided by the Lions’ offensive line. Two key players who will be pivotal in this matchup are tackle Penei Sewell and center Frank Ragnow. Sewell has been one of the top young tackles in the league, while Ragnow is one of the best centers in the NFL.
Why They’re Key:
The Commanders boast one of the strongest defensive lines in the NFL, with players like Montez Sweat and Chase Young wreaking havoc in the backfield. To protect Jared Goff and ensure the offense operates smoothly, Sewell and Ragnow will need to win their individual battles against Washington’s pass rushers.
Ragnow will have the difficult task of dealing with Washington’s defensive tackles, including Daron Payne, while Sewell will have to contend with edge rushers like Sweat and Young. How well Sewell and Ragnow perform will determine how comfortable Goff is in the pocket and whether the Lions can establish a balanced offense.
Impact on the Game:
If the Lions’ offensive line can provide solid protection for Goff, it will allow the offense to function at a high level. This could also create opportunities for the running game, with running backs like Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery benefiting from strong blocking at the line of scrimmage.
What to Watch For:
- Can Sewell and Ragnow slow down the Commanders’ elite pass rushers?
- How well the offensive line communicates on pass protection schemes, especially against blitzes.
- The ability to create running lanes for the Lions’ running backs, which will be critical in keeping the Commanders’ defense honest.
4. James Houston – Edge Rusher
Overview:
James Houston, a second-year player for the Lions, has been an emerging star on the defensive side of the ball. While his role was somewhat limited early in the season, Houston has quickly become one of the most disruptive pass rushers on the team. His speed, agility, and relentless pursuit of the quarterback have made him a significant threat in passing situations.
Why He’s Key:
To defeat the Washington Commanders, the Lions will need to apply pressure to their quarterback, whether it’s Sam Howell or another player. Houston will play a critical role in generating that pressure. His quickness off the edge and his ability to bend around blockers make him an ideal player to disrupt Washington’s offensive rhythm.
The Commanders’ offensive line, while capable, has struggled at times to protect their quarterback, and Houston’s ability to create havoc in the backfield could lead to crucial sacks, forced fumbles, or interceptions. Given the Commanders’ reliance on their passing game, Houston’s impact could be a game-changer.
Impact on the Game:
Houston’s ability to rush the passer and create pressure will be pivotal in keeping Washington’s offense off balance. If he can disrupt Howell or force him into mistakes, the Lions’ defense will be in a strong position to limit the Commanders’ scoring opportunities.
What to Watch For:
- Houston’s ability to beat blockers and generate pressure on the quarterback.
- His effectiveness in containing mobile quarterbacks if Washington switches to a running game or incorporates rollouts.
- Whether Houston can force turnovers, particularly through sacks or hurrying the quarterback into bad decisions.
5. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson – Safety
Overview:
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is an experienced and versatile safety who brings a mix of playmaking ability and leadership to the Lions’ secondary. Known for his ability to make plays both in coverage and as a run defender, Gardner-Johnson is one of the most impactful players on Detroit’s defense.
Why He’s Key:
Washington’s passing game is predicated on getting the ball to their wide receivers quickly and efficiently. Gardner-Johnson will be key in neutralizing Washington’s pass catchers, especially those with speed like Terry McLaurin. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, react quickly to throws, and make tackles in the open field will be vital in preventing big plays.
Additionally, Gardner-Johnson can help against the run, which will be important if Washington leans on their ground game to manage the clock and control possession. His physicality and ability to read plays will be crucial in limiting the Commanders’ offensive success.
Impact on the Game:
Gardner-Johnson’s ability to disrupt passing lanes, make tackles, and create turnovers will significantly impact the game. His playmaking ability could also provide opportunities for the Lions’ offense to capitalize on short fields or quick turnovers.
What to Watch For:
- Gardner-Johnson’s ability to shadow Washington’s top receivers and prevent explosive plays.
- His performance as a tackler, particularly on running plays.
- Whether he can make key interceptions or break up passes in critical situations.
