STWF|Washington DC| Nov. 10, 2025 – The Washington Commanders’ night in Detroit quickly turned ugly — on the field, on the scoreboard, and in the box score. Without injured franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels, Washington were already facing long odds against the surging Detroit Lions. But as frustration boiled over during a 44–22 blowout defeat on Sunday night, the Commanders’ discipline disintegrated — culminating in Daron Payne’s ejection and a string of penalties that left the team embarrassed in front of a high-profile audience, including President Donald Trump, who attended the game at Northwest Stadium.

Frustration Boils Over

The Commanders actually started with some energy, holding Detroit to a field goal on its opening drive and forcing an early punt. But once the Lions’ offensive machine, led by Jared Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs, found its rhythm, Washington unraveled.

After Gibbs powered his way into the end zone for his second score of the night early in the second quarter, tempers flared as both teams walked off the field. Cameras caught Payne exchanging words with Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown before the Commanders defensive tackle suddenly swung, punching St. Brown’s helmet. Officials immediately threw a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected Payne on the spot.

It was an uncharacteristic moment for one of Washington’s veteran leaders — and one that perfectly symbolized the Commanders’ self-destruction.

Kinlaw Incident Adds Fuel to the Fire

The chaos didn’t end there. On the ensuing two-point conversion, Detroit successfully converted to push their lead further, but as the players lined up for the next series, another flag flew — this time against Javon Kinlaw.

Replays showed Kinlaw making contact with an official’s head during the aftermath of the play, apparently while arguing with referees about Payne’s ejection. The referees assessed a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct but stopped short of ejecting him — a decision that sparked confusion and outrage across social media.

“He should be done for the season at minimum,” one fan wrote on X. Another added, “No way can the NFL allow that to go without severe punishment.”

Though Kinlaw avoided immediate dismissal, the league office is expected to review the incident this week. Analysts predict a fine and possible suspension for the defensive lineman once the video is fully assessed.

Players and Coaches React

After the game, Kinlaw defended his teammate Payne, claiming officials failed to penalize St. Brown’s role in the altercation.

“The refs literally saw the first punch,” Kinlaw said. “Daron retaliated, yeah, but they didn’t do anything about what started it. It’s some bull****, 100 percent.”

For his part, St. Brown admitted the two exchanged words after his touchdown but said the punch came unprovoked.

“I said a little something, nothing crazy,” St. Brown explained. “Then he just swung on me. I was surprised, to be honest. You don’t expect that in the middle of a game like that.”

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn was visibly frustrated postgame but avoided direct criticism of his players, emphasizing instead the need for composure.

“You can’t lose your discipline,” Quinn said. “This league will test your patience every week, especially when things aren’t going your way. We’ve got to keep our cool — it’s that simple.”

A Season Unraveling

The loss dropped Washington to 3–7 on the season, marking their fifth straight defeat and pushing them deeper into the NFC East basement. Their defense — once the team’s calling card — has now allowed 30-plus points in four of the last five games.

Without Daniels under center, the offense has struggled to sustain drives, leaving the defense gassed and frustrated. But Sunday’s meltdown was about more than execution — it was about composure.

For Quinn, Payne’s ejection and Kinlaw’s outburst will demand accountability. The Commanders’ season, already teetering, now risks descending into chaos if leadership and discipline don’t return quickly.

As one NFL insider put it bluntly after the game:

“It’s not just that they’re losing — it’s how they’re losing. This team looks completely unhinged.”

The Commanders return home next week to face the Dallas Cowboys, but with internal tension rising and suspensions looming, Washington’s biggest battle might now be keeping their locker room together.