The Lions’ defense struggled at times down the stretch due to injuries to Anzalone and a host of other starters, including Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Malcolm Rodriguez and Derrick Barnes. But shined in its finale and Anzalone’s return, holding a 14-win Vikings team out of the end zone.

In his first year in Washington, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has led them to a 13-5 record and the divisional round to face the Detroit Lions.

The rookie QB has made an impression on some of the team's most respected players of the past and restored hope to a starved franchise.