DETROIT — With nothing to lose, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders sent the top-seeded Detroit Lions to a stunningly swift playoff exit.
Daniels threw for two touchdowns and fellow rookie Mike Sainristil had two interceptions, dazzling performances that helped sixth-seeded Washington beat Detroit 45-31 on Saturday night to reach the NFC championship game for the first time since winning the franchise’s third Super Bowl title 33 years ago.
“It’s a surreal moment,” Daniels said.
The wild-card Commanders (14-5) were nearly double-digit underdogs against the Super Bowl-favorite Lions (15-3) and overcame doubts as they did all season with a new quarterback, new head coach and new general manager.
“I always believed that we could achieve more than people give us credit for,” Daniels said.