It's been almost 7,000 days since the Washington Commanders reached the Divisional Round stage. That's going to change this evening when they lock horns with the Detroit Lions for a place in the final four.
Dan Quinn and his squad deserve immense credit for the way they've gone about their business this season. This franchise was down and out with no hope for the future before Josh Harris' ownership group assumed power. The franchise regeneration in recent months was nothing short of astonishing. A cultural rest within the locker room ensured this project achieved more than even the brightest optimist envisaged.
All good things must come to an end. Most analysts are tipping the clock to strike 12 on this Cinderella story at Ford Field versus the NFC's No. 1 seed. But anyone who's followed the Commanders closely this season knows writing them off entirely is foolish.
This is a big game. A primetime game that is expected to draw record-breaking numbers. That's where the Commanders have felt most comfortable this season, so it'll be fascinating to see how things unfold between two clubs who've risen from the basement to the NFL's top table.
Commanders vs. Lions game details
- Date: Saturday, January 18
- Time: 8.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Ford Field
- TV channel: FOX
The historical advantage goes to Washington in this fixture. They lead 31-16 in the all-time series, but these are different football operations after positive changes in recent years.
Washington's record against the Lions isn't great lately. They've lost four out of the last five meetings and have been comprehensively beaten in their last two. The Commanders' last win over the Lions came in 2019 with a 19-16 victory on home soil.
But as was the case last weekend at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, this isn't the same Commanders team. They are rejuvenated and riding a tidal wave of positivity under the new regime. This provides hope they can swing the pendulum despite being heavy underdogs for the clash.
Who are the announcers for Commanders vs. Lions tonight?
The Commanders' playoff game at the Lions is getting the Saturday Night Football primetime treatment on FOX. The network is sending its top broadcasting team to Ford Field for the occasion.
Kevin Burkhardt will be handling play-by-play duties for the contest. Legendary former quarterback Tom Brady — a seven-time Super Bowl winner with the New England Patriots and Buccaneers who is now a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders — will be on hand to provide analysis of the big moments as they happen.
The incomparable Erin Andrews will be working on the sidelines. She'll be getting interviews with the two head coaches and keeping fans informed of any troubling injury concerns that may emerge during what promises to be a physical encounter.
Who is the referee for Commanders vs. Lions tonight?
Ron Torbert and his officiating team will be in charge of proceedings in the Divisional Round. Let's hope for no controversial incidents and a big win for the Commanders that would shake the NFL to its foundations.