DETROIT – In the NFL Wild Card Round, the Washington Commanders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 at Raymond James Stadium.
The win wasn’t achieved without some drama, as kicker Zane Gonzalez struck a 37-yard field goal off the right goalpost, which then deflected off and went through the left side of the uprights for the victory.
Following the victory, the supporters rushed into the concourse and yelled that they desired Detroit.
“We have a few things to improve, but facing Detroit, they’re the top seed for a reason,” said wide receiver Terry McLaurin. “They earned our respect, yet there’s a reason we state ‘Anywhere, anytime, any location.”
The Commanders, seeded No. 6, have not lost to the Detroit Lions in their three matchups.
The most recent matchup in the playoffs between them was during the Wild Card Round in 1999, where Washington secured a 27-13 victory at their home field.
In 1991, Washington defeated Detroit in the NFC Championship game at home, dominating the match with a score of 41-10 to reach the Super Bowl.
Prior to that, they defeated the Lions in the 1982 strike-shortened season 31-7 at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium.
Michigan State Spartans legend and NBA superstar Erving “Magic” Johnson addressed the media following the game with investor Josh Harris regarding the Commanders’ win, expressing their excitement about traveling to Detroit as well.
“With a fresh perspective and a new owner implementing a strategy, selecting the right individuals is key, starting with our coach, Coach (Dan) Quinn, Adam Peters, and then allowing them the space to perform their duties,” Johnson stated.
“People, culture, and talent,” stated Harris. “We’ll catch you all in Detroit.”
Even though the Commanders franchise has triumphed over the Lions in the playoffs, the Lions have beaten them in six of the last seven regular-season games since the 2009 19-14 win.
The Lions are favored by 8.5 points in the game as the top seed. They’re a 15-2 team that has just secured the essential bye, achieved the top record in the conference, and won the NFC North Division title for multiple years in a row.
Among the four games occurring this weekend, the betting lines appear to present the most imbalanced odds for an opportunity to reach the NFC Championship game since 1991.
The injury-riddled Lions are anticipated to receive reinforcements this week, featuring prominent players such as running back David Montgomery, guard Kevin Zeitler, and cornerbacks Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Terrion Arnold.
The game begins at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Ford Field, where the enthusiastic fans aim to surpass sound levels.