The Detroit Lions entered the playoffs with a 15-2 record, the No. 1 seed in the NFC and homefield advantage.
However, Detroit's stay in the postseason lasted only one game. After receiving a first-round bye, the Lions were stunned by the Washington Commanders in the divisional round, losing 45-31. Detroit quarterback Jared Goff threw three interceptions, including a pick-6, and the Lions could not stop Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
The loss was a bitter pill for players and fans to swallow, and you can tell it is still eating at star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. On the latest episode of "The St. Brown Podcast," Amon-Ra and brother Equanimeous discussed the Lions potentially being an opponent for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1 next season.
Amon-Ra said he'd enjoy that matchup, as it would give fans a chance to see how the Lions would fare against the Eagles at full strength.
"You would see with our healthy defense how that s--- operates," St. Brown said.
St. Brown went on to rattle off the Lions' list of injuries, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, which caught up with the team against Washington.
While it may sound like sour grapes on his part, there's no denying how compromised Detroit was. Among those who didn't play against Washington and missed significant chunks of time with injuries overall were star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, defensive tackles Kyle Peko and Alim McNeill, defensive end Marcus Davenport, linebackers Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez and cornerbacks Carlton Davis, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Khalil Dorsey.
Additionally, defensive backs Ifeatu Melifonwu and Amik Robertson went down with injuries during the loss to the Commanders. If the Lions had been able to stay remotely healthy, they might have had a chance to challenge Philly in the NFC.
On paper, their roster was one of the only ones in the NFL that could compare to the Eagles' loaded unit. Unfortunately, the football gods had other ideas.
