After not getting the results that they wanted to see from the offense, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell took over the offensive playcalling duties in Week 10, and it appeared to be the right move.
The Lions went on the road and crushed the Washington Commanders, 44-22, thanks to 546 yards of total offense from Jared Goff and Co. Detroit shredded the Commanders’ defense on the ground, as Jahmyr Gibbs led the way with 142 yards and 2 TDs on 15 carries. He also had three receptions for 30 yards and a TD.
The Lions’ offense was also efficient on 3rd down, converting 5-of-10 chances, and a perfect 2-for-2 on 4th down.
Commanders fans nor Washington head coach Dan Quinn enjoyed watching that defensive performance, which has led Quinn to follow in the same footsteps as Campbell. According to David Aldridge of The Athletic, Quinn told reporters on Monday that he’s taking away defensive play-calling duties from defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
Dan Quinn Takes Over Defensive Play-Calling Duties Following Loss to Lions
Commanders fans on social media weren’t surprised by this decision from Quinn and hope that their defensive unit can have a breakout performance in Week 11, similar to what Lions fans saw from the offense and Campbell.
It’s possible that could happen, but the Commanders’ head coach doesn’t have the best pieces on defense, unlike Detroit's head coach, who does on offense.
Heading into Sunday’s playoff rematch against the Lions, Washington’s defense allowed 33.7 points per game in its previous four contests.
Commanders fans hoped that Washington’s defense would get its act together after getting shredded by Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks last week. The Seahawks' offense was 7-for-11 on third downs and torched the Commanders' defense through the air (330 yards, 4 TDs, and an INT), laying the groundwork for Campbell.
However, it was the same old story on Sunday, as Goff was able to do whatever he wanted to do against Washington’s defense. Goff completed 25-of-33 passes for 320 yards, three TDs, and was not sacked once.
The Lions’ offense will look to pick up where they left off on Sunday against the Commanders as they have a primetime road matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Meanwhile, Washington will hope that the switch to Quinn, who was a defensive coordinator in Dallas, can work his magic and fix this beleaguered unit.