Detroit Lions Week 2 report card: Commanders comeback attempt falls short

Coaching Staff: 4/5 stars

We already talked about Ben Johnson earlier in regard to how creatively he uses St. Brown. It was that type of creativity which allowed Detroit to maintain its grip on the lead throughout the second half. When Washington got close, Johnson dialed up some money plays and Detroit would extend the lead again.

Aaron Glenn’s defense certainly flashed in the first half, and he showed again how good he is at scheming pressure. Looking at Hutchinson’s third sack, Glenn dialed up a stunt that the defensive line executed to perfection.

Glenn’s expertise in designing blitzes is also really impressive, and so important as his young secondary continues to develop.

Play of the game: D’Andre Swift’s 22-yard touchdown catch

At a pivotal moment in the game, Detroit had gotten into scoring range after St. Brown’s long run. The Lions were up seven after the Commanders had just scored another touchdown and added a two-point conversion. Momentum was swinging the wrong direction, and the Lions were faced with a third-and-long.

When it was needed most, Swift delivered a big play.

Running backs coach Duce Staley has said multiple times he thinks Swift can be among the best backs in the league. Plays like that are why. Swift has special ability to create plays in space by making people miss, and he did it with a bad ankle on Sunday.

Final Thoughts

The Lions offense accomplished a feat it hasn’t done in a long, long time.

The best part about that stat is Detroit is nowhere near full strength offensively. The Lions starting left guard, center and right guard were all out of this game, and Detroit still put up 34 points.

There is a missing piece we haven’t had the pleasure of seeing yet…

This offense is already a ton of fun, it’s only going to be moreso when Jameson Williams is able to play.