Lions Dominate Commanders 44-22 with Trump in Attendance

UPDATE: The Detroit Lions seized a commanding 44-22 victory over the injury-depleted Washington Commanders on November 12, 2023, in Landover, Maryland. This game marked a historic moment as former President Donald Trump attended, becoming the first sitting U.S. president at a regular-season NFL game since 1978.

The Lions (6-3) were relentless, scoring the first 22 points and never looking back. Quarterback Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes, while rookie Jahmyr Gibbs dominated the field with three touchdowns of his own, solidifying Detroit’s position and ensuring they do not lose consecutive games—a streak that has been active since October 2022.

Goff completed 25 of 33 passes for 320 yards, showcasing an efficient offense under head coach Dan Campbell, who took control of play-calling for the game. Gibbs contributed significantly, producing scoring runs of 13 and 43 yards, and carrying the ball 15 times for 142 yards.

In contrast, the Commanders (3-7) struggled without their injured quarterback Jayden Daniels and top receiver Terry McLaurin, marking their fifth consecutive loss. Their offense, led by Marcus Mariota—who went 16 for 22 for 213 yards—failed to keep pace, especially in the face of a strong Lions defense.

Trump appeared in a suite after arriving late in the first half, generating buzz as he was featured on the game broadcast. His presence added to the spectacle, especially as Lions fans celebrated a much-needed win after last week’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Despite a change in strategy with defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. moving to the sidelines, Washington’s defense could not contain the Lions’ offensive surge. Commanders fans began exiting early as the game slipped away, with the score standing at 32-10 early in the second half.

Injuries compounded the Commanders’ woes, with defensive tackle Daron Payne ejected for unnecessary roughness in the first half. Additionally, wide receiver Noah Brown and running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. suffered injuries during the game, further depleting their roster.

Looking ahead, the Commanders will travel to Spain for a game against the Miami Dolphins next Sunday, while the Lions prepare to face the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in a highly anticipated matchup.

This decisive win by the Lions not only reinforces their playoff aspirations but also highlights the ongoing challenges for the Commanders, who now face a critical juncture in their season.