The Detroit Lions are looking to get back to their winning ways today in Washington against the Commanders. Detroit has won their last 12 games coming off a loss and haven't dropped back-to-back contests since October of 2022.
Here are five things to watch out for in today's matchup:
1. O-line play
Quarterback Jared Goff was sacked a season-high five times last week in a loss to Minnesota and he was hit 11 times total as the Vikings were credited with 26 total pressures in that contest.
Minnesota took advantage of some protection breakdowns and mismatches and to their credit schemed up some nice pressure packages Detroit didn't handle well. Detroit rushed for just 65 yards and Minnesota also racked up 10 tackles for loss.
"Sunday wasn't up to our standard at all," All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell said this week "One of our worst performances and we just have to be better in terms of throughout the week communications-wise and game-plan-wise and we have to come together at the end of the day and be on the same page."
Washington ranks 12th in the NFL with 22 sacks but their leading sacker, Dorance Armstrong Jr. (5.5), was recently placed on injured reserve. Edge rusher Jacob Martin has 3.5 sacks on the year.
2. Make things uncomfortable for Mariota
The Commanders will be without reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year quarterback Jayden Daniels as he suffered a dislocated left elbow in Washington's loss to Seattle last week. That means veteran backup Marcus Mariota steps in to start today vs. Lions.
The Lions enter today's contest second in the NFL with 28 sacks on the season. Pro Bowl edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson has been a menace on both sides of the line this season having played 231 snaps at left edge and 187 on the right side. He is looking for his fourth straight road game with a sack and a forced fumble.
Washington left tackle Laremy Tunsil has only allowed one sack and one quarterback hit with 12 total pressures, per Pro Football Focus stats. Right tackle Josh Conerly Jr., a rookie first-round pick, has allowed six sacks, two hits and 31 total pressures playing right tackle.
Mariota is a physical runner. Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said tackling has been a big point of emphasis this week with Washington's ability to generate yards after the catch.
3. Get run game rolling
Everything the Lions want to do offensively is predicated on their ability to run the football first and use one of the best play-action pass games in the league.
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs had just 25 rushing yards on nine carries (2.8 avg.) against Minnesota last week. The Lions will look to get him and David Montgomery rolling early in this one. Gibbs had 175 scrimmage yards (105 rush, 70 rec.) and two touchdowns in his last meeting vs. Washington in playoffs last season.
4. Winning third down
Detroit's struggles converting on third down offensively have been well-documented this season and they continue to persist. The Lions were just 5-for-17 on third down last week. Detroit's converting on third down just 36.3 percent of the time through Week 9, which ranks 25th in the NFL.
More conversions on third down means drives stay alive and Detroit's playmakers get more opportunities to have the ball in their hands.
Washington's defense ranks 21st in the NFL holding opponents to a 41.6 conversion rate on third down.
5. Take advantage of opportunities
The protection must allow the Lions to take advantage of a Commanders secondary that just lost their best cornerback, Marshon Lattimore, to a season-ending ACL injury last week.
Washington ranks 28th in total defense (377.8) and 29th against the pass (253.6) and allowed Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold to complete 21-of-24 passes for 330 yards with four touchdowns in a 38-10 win over Washington last Sunday.
Goff is tied for third in touchdown passes (17) and is fourth in passer rating (115.2). He had 313 passing yards and a touchdown in his last meeting with Washington and comes into Sunday's matchup with a 100-plus passer rating in three of his last four contests.
