The Commanders never stood a chance. From the opening kickoff, the Lions played with purpose, swagger and speed — and at the heart of it all was Jahmyr Gibbs, turning every touch into a highlight as Detroit roared to another 40-point masterpiece.
The Detroit Lions stomped on the Washington Commanders in dominating fashion, delivering their second 40-plus-point performance of the season. Head coach Dan Campbell took over primary play-calling duties this week, and the results spoke for themselves — the offense looked sharp, balanced and explosive from start to finish.
There were several standout performances on offense, but one player clearly stole the show. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs turned in a career day, exploding for three total touchdowns, two rushing and one receiving, while piling up highlight plays throughout the game. Gibbs’ performance was a statement to critics who had questioned his efficiency this season, as he nearly doubled his average yards per carry.
Gibbs finished with 142 rushing yards on just 15 carries, averaging an impressive 9.47 yards per attempt. He also added 30 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air, giving him 172 total yards from scrimmage. His biggest play of the day came on a 43-yard touchdown run, where he showcased his elite speed, reaching 21.11 mph according to Next Gen Stats. It was a run that had fans on their feet and the Commanders’ defense gasping for air.
Sonic nearly outscored the Commanders by himself and recorded his highest rushing total of the season. It was also the second-most rushing yards of his young career, a sign that Gibbs is hitting his stride at the perfect time. Just like in the Lions’ previous meeting with Washington, when he posted 175 total yards and two touchdowns in the playoffs, Gibbs once again proved to be the Commanders’ kryptonite.
While Gibbs earned the game’s offensive MVP honors, a few teammates deserve honorable mentions. Quarterback Jared Goff was nearly flawless, completing 25 of 33 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns. Goff’s accuracy and timing kept the Commanders’ defense off balance, and his command of the offense reflected growing chemistry with his receivers.
Wide receiver Jameson Williams also had a strong showing, leading the team in receiving yards and hauling in a touchdown. Williams’ performance marked his fifth career 100-yard game, a sign that he is becoming a more consistent weapon in Detroit’s passing attack.
On the defensive side, the Lions didn’t have their cleanest performance. The unit struggled to create turnovers and generated limited pressure against Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota. However, Brian Branch emerged as the clear defensive standout. The versatile safety recorded seven total tackles, including four solo tackles, and added 1.5 sacks. One of those sacks came off a beautiful spin move that left Mariota no chance to escape. Branch was relentless throughout the game and showcased his ability to disrupt both the run and pass.
Cornerback Terrion Arnold turned in another solid effort, finishing with two tackles, a 90.3 PFF grade, and one pass deflection, while defensive lineman Roy Lopez contributed a half-sack and two tackles for loss. Although Aidan Hutchinson was quiet this week, Detroit’s front seven did just enough to hold Washington to 10 points in the first half and keep them in check down the stretch.
The Lions allowed only 14 first downs all game while their offense more than doubled that number. Despite some inconsistencies, the defense did what it needed to do to secure the win and complement a high-powered offensive outing.
Next week, the Lions face a major test on Sunday Night Football as they travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles. The matchup could have significant implications for the NFC’s top playoff seed. Detroit is getting healthier by the week and could potentially welcome back key defensive players Kerby Joseph and Malcolm Rodriguez.
If Campbell’s offense continues to fire on all cylinders and Gibbs keeps running like he did against Washington, the Lions could make a serious statement on the national stage in Week 11.