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John Keim, ESPN editor
DETROIT — Washington’s commanders knew they had to eliminate the Detroit Lions if they wanted to thwart them on the road. In the second quarter, they threw several punches.
PICK-6 COMMANDERS. WASHINGTON LEADS 24-14.
📺: #WASvsDET on FOX
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/LgPnGmkrvy– NFL (@NFL) January 19, 2025
Safety Quan Martin intercepted quarterback Jared Goff’s pass on second-and-14 and returned it 40 yards to give the Commanders a 24-14 lead in the second quarter.
Jayden Daniels then threw his second touchdown pass of the game, connecting with tight end Zach Ertz for a 5-yard score with 1:46 left in the first half. Daniels threw for 242 yards in the first half. It was Ertz’s eighth touchdown of the season.
Daniels’ first touchdown came with 6:23 left in the second quarter when he connected with receiver Terry McLaurin on a screen pass to the left. McLaurin then split two defenders at the line of scrimmage and sprinted 58 yards for a touchdown.
Daniels to Ertz! The Commanders have 31 points in the first half.
📺: #WASvsDET on FOX
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/v0XraTMSiz– NFL (@NFL) January 19, 2025
McLaurin’s stiff-armed safety Kerby Joseph came around the 10-yard line and kept his balance to cross the goal line.
The score came three plays after Detroit took a 14-10 lead. Washington only needed three plays to take the lead. During the screen pass, McLaurin received blocks at the line of scrimmage from receivers Dyami Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus.
It was McLaurin’s 14th touchdown and his second longest play of the season.
TERRY AT HOME. 58 METERS.
📺: #WASvsDET on FOX
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/1oVkyJaqsv– NFL (@NFL) January 19, 2025
The Commanders running backs have not been effective for most of the last six weeks. But the rushing attack proved necessary early in the second quarter. Running back Brian Robinson, one play after being dropped for a one-yard loss, scored from the two-yard line for a 10-7 lead.
Robinson, lined up on the right side, started in the middle, then cut to his right behind the blocks of guard Sam Cosmi and tackle Andrew Wylie. Tight end John Bates cleared the outside with a block.
It was Robinson’s first touchdown since Dec. 1 in a 42-19 win over Tennessee. Robinson’s touchdown Saturday gave him 35 yards for the game. In two of his last three games, Robinson had rushed for fewer than 25 yards. Washington’s drive included a successful fourth-and-3 conversion on a pass from quarterback Jayden Daniels to tight end Zach Ertz.
