DETROIT – A backup quarterback who was coaching high school football a few weeks ago led the Detroit Lions on a critical touchdown drive after Jared Goff went down with an injury during their playoff game.
Goff got hurt in the second quarter of the divisional round playoff game against the Washington Commanders. He threw an interception, and while the Commanders were returning it for a touchdown, took an illegal hit that wasn’t called.
Goff left the field, and Teddy Bridgewater took over for the Lions.
Bridgewater retired from the NFL after last season to coach high school ball, but the Lions re-signed him a few weeks ago for depth.
That came in handy with the Lions down 10 points before the half. After a false start, the offense went 73 yards in three plays to score and pull within three.
Bridgewater completed his only pass, a 3-yard dump-off to Jahmyr Gibbs on second and 1. Gibbs had a 14-yard run before that catch, and the drive ended with a Jameson Williams 61-yard touchdown dash on a double reverse.
Goff returned to the field on the following drive, with the Lions back down 10.
Offense isn’t the problem for the Lions. The Commanders already have 312 yards and 31 points before halftime, and they didn’t even get the ball first.
