The Detroit Lions had plenty of reasons to celebrate on Sunday, as they secured not one but two pivotal victories that could shape their season. First, they bounced back from their loss to the Bills with an emphatic 34-17 road win against the Chicago Bears. This win not only restored confidence but also showcased the team’s resilience during a critical stretch of the season. However, the Lions’ joy wasn’t confined to their own performance. They received a massive boost in the NFC race when the Washington Commanders pulled off a dramatic, last-second victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Lions’ locker room erupted in jubilation upon hearing the news, with cheers so loud they echoed into the press room. This moment of celebration underscored the impact of Washington’s win on Detroit’s playoff aspirations.

As it turns out, the Lions may have played a subtle but crucial role in that Commanders’ victory, thanks to a familiar face from their recent past. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, former Lions quarterback David Blough—now serving as the Commanders’ assistant quarterbacks coach—was the architect behind the game-winning play.

“The next call that [Commanders head coach] Kliff Kingsbury sent in was one that assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough had added to the playbook during spring practices,” Breer reported. “Blough specifically designed it for end-of-game situations, and the Commanders had been practicing it consistently since training camp. It was a perfect fit for the moment.”

Blough’s transition to coaching seems to be a natural progression. While he was on the Lions’ practice squad last season, he already exhibited many traits of a coach. Hendon Hooker, the Lions’ current quarterback, even referred to Blough as a “player-coach” at one point. After quietly retiring following the 2023 season, Blough took his first formal coaching role with Washington, where his keen football mind is already making a difference.

The Commanders’ clutch victory, aided by Blough’s play design, not only kept Washington in playoff contention but also helped elevate Detroit’s chances of securing the top seed in the NFC. This interplay of events highlights how interconnected the NFL landscape can be.

As for Blough, this could be just the beginning of an impressive coaching career. His ability to draw up impactful plays and prepare his team for crucial moments demonstrates a strong aptitude for the game. Don’t be surprised if his name resurfaces in the coming years as a rising offensive coordinator—or even a future head coach. His intelligence, leadership, and knack for innovation have positioned him as a standout figure in the coaching world.