Less than 24 hours after their 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC divisional round, members of the Detroit Lions gathered at the Meijer Performance Center for locker room cleanout. All-Pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell, visibly disappointed by the outcome, was among the players reflecting on the shocking end to their historic season.

Despite the team’s crushing loss, Sewell was quick to defend quarterback Jared Goff, who had faced significant criticism for his performance. Goff threw three interceptions and lost a fumble in the game, including his first pick-six of the season. Many have pointed to his turnovers as a key reason for the Lions’ defeat, but Sewell rejected the notion of placing blame on one player.

“I just don’t understand how a team sport, that people can put a blame on one person at all,” Sewell said. “It’s not like he’s the one that’s out there by himself. So, I’ll never understand it, but again, that’s not my world and what I pay attention to, but bulls—.”

The loss marked the end of a historic season for the Detroit Lions, who earned the No. 1 seed in the playoffs after a franchise-best 15-win campaign. However, their playoff run ended in disappointment after a slow start against the Commanders. Detroit trailed by 10 at halftime and couldn’t recover. The Lions became just the second 15-win team in NFL history to lose their playoff opener, joining the 2011 Green Bay Packers.

Jared Goff acknowledged his mistakes in the game, including the pick-six, which he described as a poor decision. He finished the game with 313 yards, one touchdown, but his four turnovers overshadowed his stats. Goff took responsibility for the loss and expressed regret over his performance.

“It just sucks. Yeah, I wish I played a little bit better, wish I could have taken care of the ball a little bit better,” Goff said. “Obviously, the pick-six is really the one I’d really like back — that was just a poor decision by me.”

Despite his mistakes, Goff was supported by his teammates in the locker room. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and safety Kerby Joseph were among those who comforted him after the loss, and Goff expressed his gratitude for their support.

“Those guys are my guys, and I love them, and I would do anything for them, and I appreciate them,” Goff said. “Yeah, but I know we’re all disappointed.”

Reflecting on his performance and the missed opportunity, Goff admitted that his struggles would haunt him throughout the offseason.

“Had I played better, do we win? Possibly, and that’s the part that’ll eat me apart for the whole offseason,” Goff said.

While the Detroit Lions’ playoff dreams ended prematurely, the team’s record-breaking season was a testament to the resilience and determination of Jared Goff and his teammates. However, the sting of the loss will stay with them as they move forward, with the offseason offering a time to reflect and regroup for another shot at postseason success.