Divisional Playoff – Commanders at Lions game recap: 1st quarter summary -Lions 7, Commanders 3

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First Quarter

Washington kicked off to Detroit, who started the game’s opening offensive drive at the 40-yard line after the opening kickoff went out of bounds inside the 5-yard line. Not a strong start.

Two plays later, following a tackle for loss by Dante Fowler, the Lions faced 3rd & 13, but were unable to convert, with Goff’s pass falling incomplete. Three & out to open the game.

After the punt, Washington started the first drive at the 20-yard line.

The offense opened with a no-huddle attack, picking up a first down at the 32-yard line in the first two plays — passes to Zach Ertz and Terry McLaurin. Lions CB Amik Robertson was injured on the play and had to be helped from the field.

Two plays later, the Commanders burned the Lions blitz with a short screen to Austin Ekeler that he turned into a 24-yard catch & run to the Lions 37-yard line, putting Washington into long field goal range.

After a pair of plays and a false start flag against Biadasz for a too-quick head bob, the Commanders faced 3rd & 14 at the 41-yard line. On the 3rd down play, Jamison Crowder picked up 13 yards to bring up 4th & 1 at the 28-yard line.

Marcus Mariota came on like he did a week ago, looking like he was going to run a QB sneak. The play was not well executed and failed.

The Lions took over on downs at their own 29-yard line.

The Lions picked up three first downs on a pass, a run and a screen to get deep into Washington territory at the 15-yard line

Runs by Gibbs and Montgomery put the ball at the Commanders 1-yard line. The drive was lightning fast, and was finished off with Gibbs running untouched into the end zone for the game’s first score. The Lions had covered 71 yards in just 6 plays. 7-0 Lions.

Following the kickoff, the visiting Commanders started their second offensive drive of the game at the 30-yard line midway through the first quarter.

A Daniels run followed by an 11-yard pass to Terry McLaurin earned a 1st down, but Ekeler lost 4 yards on the subsequent 1st down play to bring up 2nd & 14. Two plays later, on 3rd & 10, Daniels hit Jamison Crowder for the first down (12 yard gain) at the Lions 43-yard line.

Brian Robinson ran inside for 14 yards to announce his return to form, putting the ball at the Lions 29-yard line. So far, Washington’s offense has been effective aside from the botched 4th down play.

They didn’t move the ball on the next two plays, though, and faced 3rd & 10 at the 29. On the third down play, Daniels hit Dyami Brown in the hands at the 15-yard line, but the Lions DB Vidor knocked the ball from his hands to force 4th down and a field goal attempt.

Gonzalez nailed the 47-yard kick to make the score 7-3. The scoring drive covered 41 yards in 10 plays. With just under 4 minutes left in the first quarter, the Lions would get the ball back.

After a short return, the Lions set up for business at the 27-yard line.

Washington’s defense got the stop on the first drive, but gave up an easy touchdown on the second one. Now, the Lions are cutting through the burgundy D like a hot knife through butter. A 33-yard run by Gibbs and two passes to LaPorta put the ball at the Washington 20-yard line, 2nd & 4.

But on 3rd & 1 at the 17-yard line, the Lions’ OL protection broke down. Dorance Armstrong broke through and hit Jared Goff from behind, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Frankie Luvu at the 22-yard line! Fantastic recovery by the defense (and Luvu)!!!

With 00:55 remaining in the first quarter, the Commanders offense has a chance to drive the field and take the lead in this important game.

Brian Robinson made Dan Quinn look good by running for 15 yards on 1st down, followed by another 5 yard run to push the ball to the 42 yard line as the quarter ended.