The Washington Commanders are known for their fourth-down gambles. This season, they converted 20 of 23 fourth downs, the best conversion rate in the NFL since 2000. So, when Washington faced a 4th-and-1 at the Lions’ 28-yard line, marching towards a potential touchdown, it made a lot of sense.
However, the play call by offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury didn’t. Instead of putting the ball in the hands of their dynamic rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels off the snap, the Commanders opted to try a trick play through backup quarterback Marcus Mariota toward an unsuccessful result.
Mariota lined up wide with Jayden Daniels in the shotgun. Mariota went into motion behind the center for a direct snap. He faked a QB sneak in an attempt to pitch it back to Daniels. Unfortunately, the Lion’s defensive push was too much as defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad brought Mariota down behind the line to gain.
On further review, it appears Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. may have gotten in the way of Mariota.
The fourth stop forced a turnover on downs, stopping an eight-play, 56-yard opening drive for Washington.
Momentum shifted to the Lions, and the NFC’s No. 1 seed wasted no time taking advantage of the Commanders’ failure.
Detroit marched 71 yards on six plays into the end zone. Jahmyr Gibbs scored a one-yard touchdown to cap a drive in which he gained 48 yards.
The Commanders going for a fourth down is no surprise. However, Kingsbury may have become too cute for the moment. Every drive counts in the playoffs. Washington’s offense’s failure to convert points proved to haunt them early.
