Washington could open Austin Seibert's 21-day IR-R window if there was any real concern about Gonzalez. Both kicked well this year, but Seibert probably rushed back from IR too soon earlier this year. It's not clear if he's 100% but he insisted he was physically fine after the Cowboys game; a missed XP cost them a shot at OT, and they haven't lost since.
Former Lion David Blough is on Quinn's staff as the Assistant Quarterbacks Coach. It will likely be awhile before he moves up to a more prominent role - he's in Y1 - but that's a guy who always seemed like a future NFL coordinator/HC.
Former Lions OC (2021) Anthony Lynn is the RBs Coach and Run Game Coordinator.
This game features two of the three NFC Pro Bowl Quarterbacks. Goff was named the starter, Daniels and Darnold the backups.
Jayden Daniels is incredibly poised for a rookie QB. We've seen quarterbacks come in and play well as rookies, but I am not sure I have ever seen a guy who is more even keeled. After they doinked their way into the division round, Quinn and all of his teammates were going crazy. Jayden just smiled, picked up his helmet and walked onto the field. Like, "Yeah OK, we won - that's what I expected - on to the next one."
He throws a really nice deep ball. Kid has all the tools to be a great player in the NFL.
Detroit's celebrated OL finished the season ranked 4th by PFF, but Washington was also Top Ten. Their pass blocking climbed from 25th a year ago to 8th this year. Landing a starting LT in 3rd round pick Brandon Coleman was a huge win for Adam Peters.
Commanders signed a league high 26 free agents - at least 17 on 1-year prove it deals - and had one of the bigger UDFA classes with 11. Of course they didn't all work out but they got major contributions from Austin Ekeler (2nd Team All Pro KR and RB2), TE Zach Ertz, LG Nick Allegretti, C Tyler Biadasz, their top 2 Edge Rushers in Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler, two 2nd Team All Pro LBs in Mike LB Bobby Wagner and Will LB Frankie Luvu, S Jeremy Chin, LS Tyler Ott, and several other contributors.
Nice rookie class - besides Daniels, they landed the top DI in the Class in Johnny Newton, with pick 50 they took Mike Sanristi, who became their best outside CB (and everyone said he could only play the slot lol.) They made a big trade to land Marshon Lattimore but I'm not sure he's the same guy he used to be.
In summary, really impressive turnaround by Peters and Quinn. Best one season improvement in franchise history. They'll have a lot to backfill in the offseason but based on Y1 I'd say there is every reason to believe they have the right GM to handle that.
Detroit has pretty massive advantage in their OL versus the Commanders run fits. Montgomery is back and good to go. Commanders have had issues with poor tackling at times, and the back end coverage hasn't been great. There are mismatches all over, and Ford Field has turned into one the loudest venues in the NFL.
Daniels will have to elevate to another level to keep this one close. I don't think I'd bet against him, but these two teams are not on the same level. That said, the moment you take something for granted in the NFL you'll get smacked in the mouth. Commanders aren't going to lay down and be passive bystanders to the Detroit coronation. Quinn will have them ready.
Second best game of the weekend - BAL at BUF could be epic - and one that should be highly entertaining with lots of offense.