The Detroit Lions suffered a surprising loss to the Washington Commanders in their first playoff game of the season, with a final score of 45-31. Favored to win by double digits at home, the result left many Lions fans heartbroken.
However, the NFL is now taking action against a Commanders player for a controversial play during the game, offering a small sense of justice for Lions supporters.
Commanders Player Penalized for Hit on Lions QB Jared Goff
In the divisional playoff game, Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu avoided a roughing-the-passer penalty on a play involving Jared Goff, which ultimately resulted in a pick-six. Fans were outraged at the time, but the call stood.
On Saturday, January 25, the NFL announced a $16,883 fine for Luvu for delivering a “blow to the head/neck” of Goff.
While the fine doesn’t change the outcome of the game—the Lions remain eliminated, and the Commanders will face the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship on Sunday, January 26—it confirms that Luvu’s hit was illegal. For Goff, it’s some validation that a penalty should have been called on the pivotal play.
NFL analyst Tom Pelissero highlighted the importance of the missed call:
“The NFL fined Commanders LB Frankie Luvu $16,883 for roughing the passer (blow to the head/neck) — his block on Lions QB Jared Goff that aided a pick-six return,” Pelissero wrote on X on Saturday. “No flag was thrown on what ended up being a pivotal play in Washington’s upset win.”
Luvu and Williams Fined for Additional Infractions
The fines didn’t stop there. Luvu received an additional $16,883 fine for an illegal hip-drop tackle on Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs during Detroit’s next possession. Although no penalty was called on the play, the Lions scored a touchdown on the following snap.
Meanwhile, Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams faced a hefty $25,355 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct after making obscene gestures during his 61-yard touchdown run.
Jared Goff on Dan Campbell Taking the Blame
After the Lions’ loss, Goff addressed reporters, expressing his disappointment and responding to head coach Dan Campbell’s decision to take responsibility for the defeat.
“He’s our rock, man,” Goff said. “He is, and he shouldn’t do that, but that’s who he is, and we feed off his emotion, his energy, and he believes in us and he loves us and he cares for us.”
Goff praised Campbell’s commitment, adding, “He puts everything he has in it for us, as well, and yeah, we’re extremely disappointed in ourselves, as well.”
While acknowledging the Commanders are a “good team,” Goff admitted, “If we had played our best, maybe it’s a different outcome. I don’t know, but you’d like to think so.”
