Three and Out: Lions' coaching fell short of standard, accelerating an offseason expected to be full of change
Here are three observations after a second viewing and a night to ponder the Detroit Lions’ 45-31 season-ending loss to the Washington Commanders.
Coaching fell short
One of the more challenging things to accept about the loss is the Lions were done in by their coaching as much as sloppy execution. That culpability falls across the staff, not one individual.
Defensively, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels' scouting report told you he was better against the blitz than when he wasn't. That's not to say the Lions needed to forsake their identity. Still, if you're going to send extra rushers, you have to do a better job taking away the quarterback's quick answer.
The most egregious example was Terry McLaurin's 58-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Nickel cornerback Brian Branch telegraphed his blitz before the snap. That exposed the outmanned secondary tasked with covering Washington's three receivers to the quarterback's left.
The ball was out of Daniels' hands before Branch could affect the pocket. With two blockers for two defenders, McLaurin was off to the races for the long score, preventing the Lions from recapturing momentum before the half.