The Detroit Lions are taking on the Washington Commanders on Saturday in the NFC Divisional Playoff game and for many longtime fans, they're hoping that history doesn't repeat itself.

👇Best Detroit Lions Nicknames For Players Past & Present👇

You see, this weekend's matchup is technically a rematch of the NFC Championship game from 1991. Back then, the Commanders were known by a different name, and Detroit traveled to DC to take on Washington at the now-defunct RFK Stadium.

1991 NFC Championship Game - Detroit Lions vs. Washington

The Lions went into the game with a record of 12-4 while Washington had had a slightly better season and entered the matchup at 14-2.

The Lions had blown out the Cowboys in their previous game and were coming into DC feeling pretty confident. Unfortunately for them, that confidence was short-lived.

READ MORE: Commanders Practing Outdoors Ahead Matchup Against Lions - Which Will Be Indoors

The Lions knew that the game would be a challenge - in their first game of the season they had faced Washington and lost 45-0. But they thought this game would be different because Barry Sanders would be in the game (he missed the first matchup due to an injury.) Unfortunately, Sanders was held to just 44 rushing yards and four receptions for 15 yards.

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In the end, Washington defeated Detroit 41-10 after scoring 24 unanswered points in the second half. One post on Facebook called the loss the "worst playoff defeat in Lions history." This would be the last time that the Lions played in a post-season game until the 2023 season.

The Best Detroit Lions Nicknames for Both Past and Present Players

Part of the great fandom of sports is the assigning of nicknames to players or event entire squads. Is it a lost art in sports or do great nicknames still exist? Here are some legendary names of both past and present Detroit Lions players.

Gallery Credit: Eric Meier

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