The 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders is still engraved in the worst memories of Detroit Lions fans from last season. A 15-2 season with Super Bowl aspirations all ended in one night by a rookie quarterback at Ford Field.
While the dozens of injuries that the Lions suffered on defense last season played a significant factor in the loss, many fans believe Detroit's best chance at a Super Bowl title was taken from them. Now, 10 months later, the Lions are at the halfway point of a new season in the midst of a tight race in the NFC North with a 5-3 record entering Sunday's matchup against the Washington Commanders.
While revenge is on the minds of the Lions fans on Sunday, there is so much more that is at stake for Detroit. A win against a depleted Commanders team on the road that will be without star quarterback Jayden Daniels would be a huge bounce-back win after suffering a stunning 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9.
Lions bringing added motivation for Sunday's game against Commanders
Entering Sunday's road matchup against the Commanders, Lions quarterback Jared Goff said there's added motivation to avenge last season's playoff loss against the Commanders.
"That's definitely a part of it, absolutely. I think more than that, we went to get off of a losing streak here and get a W," Goff said. "Certainly, you're thinking about that, but I think it's nine games ago now. So yeah, we're trying to get a win this year and maybe use that as a little added motivation if we need it."
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The Lions will have an advantage on Sunday against the Commanders, as Jayden Daniels will not be playing after suffering an elbow injury in Washington's 38-14 blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks in week 9.
Wide receiver Luke McCaffrey (collarbone) and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (torn ACL) are also out on injured reserve. For the Lions, offensive guard Christian Mahogany is on injured reserve with a leg injury. Despite the Lions being favorites on the road to beat the Commanders and seeking redemption, they will have to avoid the mistakes they made in all three phases against the Vikings to earn the road win against Washington.