The Detroit Lions entered this afternoon looking to improve to 1-1 in the 2022 NFL season when they played host to the Washington Commanders this afternoon at Ford Field.
The Lions were considerably shorthanded, as they were without the services of starting cornerback Amani Oruwariye thanks to a back injury. And that’s already on top of being without center Frank Ragnow (groin/foot). Additionally, edge rusher Austin Bryant, safety Ifeatu Melifonwu and tight end James Mitchell sat out with injuries. However, the news wasn’t all bad, as D’Andre Swift played despite having battled ankle soreness.
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FIRST QUARTER
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The Commanders won the opening coin toss and elected to defer to the Lions, who promptly went three and out on their first drive that was capped by a sack on quarterback Jared Goff. However, the Lions were able to match it, forcing a three and out on Washington capped by a sack on QB Carson Wentz by Aiden Hutchison, the first of his NFL career.
There’s the rookie @aidanhutch97! #OnePride
📺: #WASvsDET on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/pruM2DzLrP pic.twitter.com/tWk02XIvWU— NFL (@NFL) September 18, 2022
The Lions began their next offensive series in strong fashion with a 49 pass downfield from Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown:
Amon-Ra St. Brown ON THE MOVE. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/cKsoS9kxpH
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) September 18, 2022
The Detroit Lions would have to settle for a field goal from Austin Seibert, a successful 35-yard attempt. 3-0 Lions
St. Brown would once again leave his opponents in the dust, rattling off a 50-yard run to put the Lions in the red zone.
5️⃣0️⃣ yards for Swift!#WASvsDET | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/zUEXrvP4l0
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 18, 2022
However, they failed to throw more points on the board thanks to an unsuccessful 4th and goal attempt. But minutes later, Charles Harris would add another two points with a sack-fumble in the end zone for a safety. 5-0 Lions
Hey Siri play, "The Safety Dance"#WASvsDET | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/qi6OeSVXoJ
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 18, 2022
Detroit’s ground game continued their attack, as Kalif Raymond carried the ball 52 yards to the Washington 30. With prime field position, Detroit took advantage with the 1st touchdown of the afternoon as Goff found a leaping St. Brown in the end zone. Detroit’s offense has racked up a total of 162 yards, while keeping Washington to a mere 20. 12-0 Lions
.@amonra_stbrown going 🆙#WASvsDET | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/9ZOSRFiP6s
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 18, 2022
SECOND QUARTER
The Lions extended their lead early in the 2nd quarter thanks to a successful 48-yard field goal from Seibert. 18-0 Lions
We’ve got another Hutch sighting, as he takes down Wentz for the second time this game:
That’s ✌️
2018 All-American Aidan Hutchinson (@aidanhutch97) records his 2nd sack of the game. #OnePride #AllAmericanBowl 🇺🇸
— All-American Bowl (@AABonNBC) September 18, 2022
The offensive onslaught continued, as Goff connected with Josh Reynolds in the end zone.
The freakin' serpent of death!#WASvsDET | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/jppj3cRlTY
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 18, 2022
The Lions are firing on all cylinders, having racked up an offensive yard advantage over Washington of 244-27, as well as enjoying an 11-0 advantage in 1st down conversions.
HALFTIME: Lions 22, Commanders 0
The Detroit Lions finished the 2nd half strong
THIRD QUARTER
The Commanders came out of the gate flying in the 3rd quarter, finally reaching the end zone for the 1st time on the afternoon thanks to a touchdown pass from Wentz to Curtis Samuel, who was absolutely leveled. Washington racked up 64 yards on the scoring drive, easily besting their 1st half total of 56. Lions 22, Commanders 7
https://twitter.com/CommandersMike/status/1571572300415107073?s=20&t=dvIdDMUmgyvdS6sCLpwM3g
However, the Lions would quell Washington’s next attempt by forcing their first turnover of the season in the form of a Will Harris interception.
PICKED OFF BY WILL HARRIS ‼️@NFL | #OnePridepic.twitter.com/J3izwHWpyf
— FanSided (@FanSided) September 18, 2022
Fans got a scare when Hutchison was seen departing the Lions sidelines with a noticeable limp, though he’d return in short order and appeared no worse for wear.
A seven-play, 94-yard drive by the Commanders as time ticked off in the 3rd quarter resulted in a Wentz touchdown pass to Logan Thomas. They’d then successfully pull off the two-point conversion, reducing their deficit to a mere seven points. Lions 22, Commanders 15
He's BACCCKKKK 😈
📺 #WASvsDET FOX pic.twitter.com/3ECZlO0SYH
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 18, 2022
It was Detroit’s St. Brown rattling off yet another lengthy run immediately afterward, a total of 58 yards in a much-needed response to Washington’s rally attempt.
.@amonra_stbrown takes the handoff for 58 yards! 🔥
📺: #WASvsDET on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/pruM2DzLrP pic.twitter.com/lxinSglmO1— NFL (@NFL) September 18, 2022
Soon after, D’Andre Swift waltzed into the end zone, putting Detroit back up by two scores. Needless to say, a huge rebound for Detroit, who had been forced to punt on their four previous offensive possessions. Lions 29, Commanders 15
🤫#WASvsDET | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/z0Dv5LvKe0
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 18, 2022
FOURTH QUARTER
The Lions are now without Jeff Okudah, who has gone to the locker room with leg cramps.
#Lions Injury Update:
CB Jeff Okudah, Cramping, Questionable
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) September 18, 2022
The Commanders have once again made things interesting, as RB Antonio Gibson scored his 1st touchdown of the afternoon. However, Bobby Price would intercept their two-point conversion attempt. Lions 29, Commanders 21
AG 😤
📺 #WASvsDET FOX pic.twitter.com/WikP4NpiB0
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 18, 2022
How about some more Amon-Ra St. Brown action? He’s having himself an afternoon, as he’s scored yet again for the Lions to pad their lead in the 4th quarter. He’s now only the 3rd player in NFL history to record 8+ catches in eight consecutive games. Additionally, make it four touchdown passes for Goff, one shy of his career best. Lions 36, Commanders 21
.@amonra_stbrown is him!#WASvsDET | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/0uQWRVTyxh
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 18, 2022
Washington moved the chains and got themselves closer on the scoreboard courtesy of a Jahan Dotson touchdown, but they’d miss the extra point. Lions 36, Commanders 27
TD from @JahanDotson 👏👏👏
📺 #WASvsDET FOX pic.twitter.com/9tC6jZ18JY
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 18, 2022
That’s your ballgame. The Lions are now 1-1 on the season.
