Fans pack downtown Detroit bars as Lions take on Commanders in divisional round
DETROIT – Playoff season in Detroit came to an abrupt end Saturday night, with packed downtown bars roaring – then falling silent – as the Detroit Lions fell 31-45 to the Washington Commanders.
Fresh off a first-round bye week, fans of the No. 1-seeded Lions were ready to show their love for the team and city, donning the team’s signature silver and Honolulu Blue and tailgating across town before packing sports bars to watch the game. Even the tower of the soon-to-be-complete Hudson’s Detroit building – the second-tallest skyscraper in the state – was lit in team colors.
At the Old Shillelagh, fans packed all three levels of the Irish pub and perennial tailgate spot. Revelers on the rooftop level erupted in cheers as Jahmyr Gibbs ran in the game’s first touchdown, while DJ WaltAmore spun records from a booth flanked by big-screen TVs on the main floor.
Early signs of stuggle, including three first-half turnovers, put a damper on the mood, but tight end Sam LaPorta’s heroic endzone grab and a clutch 61-yard run from Jameson Williams gave fans plenty to cheer about.
The mood changed quickly in the second half – just outside Ford Field’s main gates at Elwood Bar and Grill, Lions and Commanders fans alike watched with bated breath as Washington and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels took control of the game. As the clock ticked into the finals minutes, a stream of disappointed Lions fans began to pour down Brush Street in scenes that echoed Detroit’s disappointing loss to the San Francisco ‘49ers in last year’s NFC Championship game.
Fresh off their best-ever season, the Lions were ready to host the NFC Championship for the first time in franchise history. instead, the Commanders will face the winner of tomorrow’s contest between the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams in the NFC title game next Sunday.
