The Detroit Lions entered the 2024 season with a single goal: to capture the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship.
The season ended abruptly on Saturday when the Lions fell flat against the Washington Commanders, losing 45-31 in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs and facing a long offseason. The Lions struggled on both sides of the ball, making five turnovers on offense and failing to contain quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Commanders on defense.
Following the game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell faced criticism for his aggressive playcalling, which backfired, as well as some costly errors.
Lions Fall to Mistakes.
The Lions concluded the season with the league’s best 15-2 record, earning the NFC’s top seed for the first time in franchise history. Campbell’s aggressive playcalling propelled the squad to victory, with the offense frequently going for it on fourth downs and trick plays that kept opposing defenses off balance.
That tactic backfired on Saturday, when wide receiver Jameson Williams threw an interception on a trick play in the fourth quarter. The interception came after the Commanders scored a touchdown to take a 38-28 lead, as the Lions attempted to regain momentum.
The decision drew criticism on social media, with several commenters claiming it was not the right moment to take such a risk.
“I’m sorry, but Jameson Williams isn’t throwing the ball with my season on the line, brother. No chance. “That is one of the dumbest calls I’ve ever seen,” commented reporter Jon Ledyard in a post on X.
Campbell also received criticism for a costly error earlier in the fourth quarter. The Commanders moved inside the 10-yard line, but the Lions stopped them on third down, forcing a field goal try. However, the Lions were called for having 12 men on the field prior to the kick, allowing the Commanders to gain a free first down and score a touchdown.
“Absolute killer there. “Someone on the sideline has to catch the 12-man thing and call a timeout,” said reporter Albert Breer in a post on X.
Lions Go Bust.
After reaching the NFC championship game and losing a 17-game lead to the San Francisco 49ers last season, Campbell set a goal of winning the Super Bowl this year. Campbell told reporters in May that aiming for less made no sense.
“I don’t see a bust; I see the Super Bowl. “I’m not sure what a bust is,” Campbell replied.
“Every team should have that. Every team should be like, “Man, what are you playing for?” You are playing for the Super Bowl. We’re no different from them.”
The Lions appeared to be on track for that goal, as they defeated the rival Minnesota Vikings in the season finale, setting a franchise record for victories and winning the NFC North. Despite a slew of defensive injuries, the Lions received an extra week off to begin the playoffs and welcomed back some crucial players, including running back David Montgomery.
The Lions may have additional issues in the next offseason, as offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn are both considered top contenders for head coaching positions.