The Detroit Lions' 15-2 2024 campaign was blasted to smithereens in the Divisional Round during a 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders. On Sunday, they get a chance to get a sliver of revenge when they travel to D.C.
Quarterback Jared Goff said that while revenge for the postseason defeat is part of the team's motivation, following a home loss to Minnesota in Week 9, getting back in the win column is more important than settling a score.
"That's definitely a part of it, absolutely. I think more than that, we want to get off of a losing streak here and get a W," Goff said on Wednesday, via ESPN. "Certainly, you're thinking about that, but I think it's nine games ago now. So yeah, we're trying to get a win this year and maybe use that as a little added motivation if we need it."
The Lions, who were pushed around by the Vikings last week, have won their last 12 games following a loss, tied for the longest streak by a team in the past 15 years.
The biggest concern in Detroit has been an inconsistent offense. Behind a banged-up, struggling offensive line, the Lions have scored fewer than 25 points in each of their last three games (loss at Chiefs, win vs. Buccaneers, win vs. Vikings). It's the first time since 2021 that Detroit has gone three games without putting up at least 25 points, per NFL Research.
"I just want to see us play our brand of football for 60 minutes our style," coach Dan Campbell said. "I want to see us line up, I want to see the urgency, the intensity, I want to see the focus, I want to see the finish on the football -- offense, defense.
"I want to see our playmakers making plays within the scheme, within the system. I want to see our coaches coaching at a high level. I want us playing, coaching on a championship level. And more importantly, I want to play a hell of a lot better than we did last week."
Jayden Daniels' Week 9 elbow injury takes some luster off of the Lions-Commanders rematch, but there is no question that Campbell will use the postseason defeat to have his players ready.
"You know Dan is using it for motivation, and it's what we're looking at it," pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson said, "but, again, this is a new year, and we understand that task at hand, so we're just going to prepare the best we can and give it everything we've got."
