The Detroit Lions had a clear goal for the playoffs: “We want more.”
This slogan was featured on a bus that toured the state, reaching fans from Detroit to the farthest parts of Michigan’s lower peninsula. It also appeared on blue-and-white towels for fans to wave at Ford Field.
However, the Lions ended up with less than expected, falling short of last year’s postseason performance.
Entering the divisional round as Super Bowl favorites, according to BetMGM Sportsbook, the Lions lost 45-31 to the sixth-seeded Washington Commanders on Saturday night. The defeat left fans in the stadium disappointed and shocked.
“When you have goals and you have standards for yourself — and I mean that for us as a team, collectively — and you fail to reach those, man, it hurts,” coach Dan Campbell said on Monday. “But, man, we failed. We failed in that game.”
Washington controlled the game from start to finish. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels took advantage of a depleted Detroit defense, and rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil intercepted two of Jared Goff’s passes, while his teammates added three more takeaways.
“It’s a humbling sport,” Goff said, reflecting on the loss. “We were on top of the world after that Minnesota game.”
Detroit had just wrapped up a franchise-record 15th victory and secured consecutive division titles for the first time in its history. The team had hoped for two home postseason games as it aimed to make its first-ever Super Bowl appearance.
After a heartbreaking 17-point lead loss to San Francisco in last year’s NFC championship game, the Lions were hoping for a better result this time. Unfortunately, they had one of their worst games of the season, disappointing fans and falling short of expectations.
“We just didn’t have the momentum, and it’s a game of momentum,” linebacker Alex Anzalone said. “When things aren’t going your way and you’re in adversity situations, it’s sometimes hard to overcome them.”
Despite the loss, the Lions have a strong foundation. They have four All-Pro players — right tackle Penei Sewell, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, safety Kerby Joseph, and punter Jack Fox — along with two second-team All-Pros, center Frank Ragnow and punt returner Kalif Raymond, all signed through at least next season.
Many other key players are also under contract for at least two more years: Goff, running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, tight end Sam LaPorta, offensive linemen Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, linebacker Jack Campbell, safety Brian Branch, and cornerback Terrion Arnold.
“We’ve got players in every pivotal position you can ask for to have success,” Campbell said. “Those guys are made the right way, so absolutely, our (Super Bowl) window is open.”
However, the Lions will face some changes. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has agreed to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears, according to a person familiar with the situation. The contract is still being finalized, but Johnson’s departure was confirmed on Monday.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn might be the next to leave.
“I would expect to lose both, but I haven’t been told anything. I’ve got a feeling,” Campbell said Monday before news broke of Johnson’s departure. “I’m prepared to lose both.”
Detroit will also need to make decisions on key players like guard Kevin Zeitler and cornerback Carlton Davis, who are set to become unrestricted free agents.
Detroit’s season was plagued by injuries, which took a toll on the team’s roster, including a tough blow on the second defensive play of Saturday’s game when cornerback Amik Robertson left with a broken arm, visibly upset.
The Lions ended the year with 16 players on injured reserve, including defensive star Aidan Hutchinson, who had 7 1/2 sacks in just five games before suffering a broken leg.
“This year it almost seemed like it didn’t go our way and didn’t necessarily deserve it,” said linebacker Alex Anzalone. “You’re just kind of numb to it to a certain extent.”
Despite the tough finish, the loss to Washington, which saw the opposing players and coaches celebrating on Detroit’s home field, will serve as motivation for the offseason.
“When you have the right guys and you’re made the right way, failure only makes you stronger,” said coach Dan Campbell.
Looking ahead, the Lions will face a difficult challenge matching their undefeated road record from the 2024 season. They will travel to Kansas City, Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, Los Angeles, and Cincinnati, in addition to games against NFC North rivals.
One of Detroit’s top priorities will be replacing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who left to become the Chicago Bears’ head coach, and possibly defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
“They’re one of the major reasons why we’ve been able to get to where we’ve been,” Campbell said. “We came out of the dump and got to where we’re at. I will forever be grateful for those guys and our team will. Is it a loss? Absolutely, it’s a loss, but yet, man, we move forward, this train rolls on and I’ll find the next best guys for us.”
