Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and special teams coordinator Dave Fipp spoke to the media Wednesday as they do every week. Here are my 10 biggest takeaways from those media sessions:
1. Glenn on his head coaching interviews over the bye week: "I think you learn a number of things from each year that you go through them, and you try to improve on them each year. But I think the one thing I get out of all these interviews is, man, I'm going to be myself. Either you like it, or you don't. If you don't, all good. I keep telling you I have a great job here. If you like me, and it's an opportunity I feel is best for me and my family, then we'll take a look at it. But had a really good time over the bye week looking at those."
2. Johnson on his head coaching interviews over the bye week: "This go around I've been a lot more prepared for the types of questions they've been asking. I've also changed my frame of mind a little bit. Instead of worrying solely about the offense and what we're doing right here. I've been able to have offseasons and summers to think about big-picture view what a program would look like where I'm running it. So, I think that way I'm a lot more prepared for the questions that come my way."
3. According to the metrics Fipp keeps internally to evaluate special teams play around the league, Washington ranks No. 1 and Detroit ranks No. 2 in overall special teams play. He said this will be the best special teams units collectively in all four phases they'll have played all year.
4. Washington had the highest conversion rate in the NFL on fourth down this season (87 percent) and went for it five times on fourth down in the Wild Card win over Tampa Bay. Glenn said facing a team like that, much like opponents who face the Lions have to deal with, changes the way the defense has to approach third down. Against teams like Washington and Detroit, 3rd & 5 and 3rd & 6 isn't necessarily a passing down and defenses have to prepare for that and call the game accordingly on third down.
5. How will the Lions split carries between Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery now that Montgomery is back after missing three games with a knee injury? Johnson admitted Gibbs has the hot hand right now (365 rushing yards and five TDs in the last three games). Johnson said he expects Montgomery to pick up right where he left off now healthy and said they are still formulating the offensive plan and the distribution of carries for Saturday.
6. Washington led the NFL this year allowing 73 kickoffs to be returned. It's part of their strategy on special teams. The next highest was New Orleans with 57. Washington also generated four forced fumbles on kickoffs. Fipp said his kickoff return team is looking forward to the opportunity to return kicks.
"We'll take them," Fipp said.
7. The Lions are 2-1 on the season against mobile quarterbacks, losing to Buffalo's Josh Allen and beating Arizona's Kyler Murray and Indianapolis' Anthony Richardson. Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels had 891 rushing yards and six touchdowns in the regular season. Glenn said they've studied Daniels rush patters – right and left – and expects they'll have a good plan to try to limit him on the ground Saturday.
8. Lions punter Jack Fox was named All-Pro and a Pro Bowler, setting a new NFL record with a net punting average of 46.2 yards per punt this season. Fox has always been first to thank the 10 players on the field with him for those accomplishments and Fipp echoed that Thursday, saying Fox's All-Pro recognition is everyone's honor on special teams and really rewarding for the entire unit.
9. What jumps out on tape about Washington's defense? Johnson said it's a typical Dan Quinn defense that challenges an offense at every level. The thing that really stood out was the pursuit, emphasis on tackling and how multiple players rally around the ball carrier. Washington ranks 18th in points allowed, 13th in total defense, third against the pass and 30th against the run this season.
10. Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin had his fifth straight 1,000 yard season with a career-high 13 touchdowns. Glenn couldn't say enough good things about McLaurin and the challenge his defense has this week trying to slow him down. Glenn said McLaurin reminds him a lot of Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown for his ability to come up with 50-50 balls despite his 6-foot frame and his willingness to block and be physical in the run game. Glenn loves McLaurin's competitiveness and looks forward to the challenge of trying to limit him Saturday night.
