Lions Maul Commanders 44-22 in Offensive Showcase.
Well, I might call myself out on this one. I expected the Commanders to put up more of a fight in front of their home crowd. What took place was a complete drubbing courtesy of our Detroit Lions. The Lions dominated in every phase of the game, and the outcome was never in question.
Any whispers of a mid-season slump were emphatically silenced Sunday as the Detroit Lions dismantled the Washington Commanders 44-22. This wasn’t just a win; it was a bounce-back performance of the highest order, preventing the team from losing consecutive games—a testament to the resilient culture Dan Campbell has built since he took the helm. The victory, which brings the Lions to a solid 6-3 record, was fueled by an offensive explosion and a significant, rumored change that impacted the playcalling.
Campbell’s Gambit Pays Off
The biggest storyline heading into the box score was the report that Head Coach Dan Campbell himself had taken over offensive play-calling duties. In total, the offense has remained near the top in production, but a recent slump has fans clamoring for a spark. Campbell, holding the play sheet on the sidelines, appeared to be just that. The offense was electric from the jump, scoring on all seven drives with the starters in the game—five touchdowns and two field goals—and never once needing to call on punter Jack Fox.
After the game, Campbell shrugged and told reporters he just wanted to “try something a little different.” That’s our Coach Campbell, honest and to the point. He made sure to emphasize that it was still a “collaborative effort” with offensive coordinator John Morton, but let’s be honest — it felt more like what we’re used to seeing with this squad. The Lions rolled up 546 yards, mixing aggression with creativity, and looked completely in command from start to finish. It was vintage Campbell — gutsy, calculated, and exactly what this team needed.
The Big Three: Goff, Gibbs, and Jamo
Under Campbell’s direction, the Lions’ stars shone brightly. Quarterback Jared Goff was nearly flawless, surgically picking apart the Commanders’ defense. He finished the day 25 of 33 for 320 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, posting a stellar 135.9 passer rating. It was a confident, commanding performance that set the tone for the entire offense.
The true player of the game, however, was running back Jahmyr Gibbs. It was a great bounce-back from a career low of 28 total yards last week against Minnesota. Gibbs looked fast and powerful, as he racked up three total touchdowns. He gashed Washington for 142 yards on just 15 carries, including touchdown runs of 13 and 43 yards. Gibbs also added a 14-yard touchdown reception, showcasing the dual-threat ability that Lions fans have grown to love over the past 2 years.
Not to be outdone, wide receiver Jameson (Jaymo) Williams had his best game of the season, hauling in six catches for 119 yards and a crucial 14-yard touchdown in the third quarter. His performance provided the deep-threat element that can take this offense to an elite level.
Defensive Standouts and Moments of Frustration
Defensively, Jack Campbell led the team with 9 tackles. Brian Branch also had a strong performance with 7 tackles and 1.5 sacks, while Roy Lopez was a standout with a sack, disruptions on run plays, and two tackles for loss.
The game wasn’t without its chippiness. Frustrations boiled over for the Commanders in the second quarter after a Gibbs touchdown. Defensive tackle Daron Payne was ejected for punching St. Brown, a move that only compounded Washington’s problems. The Lions, ever opportunistic, successfully converted a two-point attempt immediately following the penalty, rubbing salt in the wound and extending their lead to 22-3.
Injury Concerns and a Look Ahead
The victory did come at a cost. Center Graham Glasgow left the game in the second quarter with a back injury, and though he later returned, his health will be something to monitor. Cornerback Terrion Arnold also exited with a concussion, a significant blow to the secondary.
With the Commanders in the rearview mirror, the Lions now face a formidable opponent in Week 11. They will travel to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in what promises to be a true test of their NFC contender status. Sunday’s performance proved that when this team is clicking, they can beat anyone. If Campbell’s play-calling continues to unlock the full potential of this high-powered offense, the rest of the league should be on high alert.
What did you think of Coach Campbell’s decision to take over play-calling? Let us know, comment below, or visit the Lion’s Den for more discussion.
Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted Michigan outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
