On Sunday, October 2, the Detroit Lions returned to Ford Field for their week 4 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. The Lions entered the matchup as the universal favorite it seemed, as almost every major outlet predicted the team to win. Positivity surrounding the Lions continued in the betting world too, as they opened as a -6.5 point favorite. This being the first time the team was favored by a touchdown since week one of the 2018 season. Quickly, those odds fell to -3.5 points, as more and more Lions fell to the injury bug. Missing star-players D’Andre Swift, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jonah Jackson, Tracy Walker and DJ Chark, the Lions needed their depth to step up. Unfortunately, the team played a roller coaster of a game, losing 48 to 45.
After a brutal day of football, here are my takeaways from today’s game:
TJ Hockenson and Jamaal Williams Step Up for the Lions:
It seems that the Lions have caught the injury bug to start the season. Losing multiple stars to start the year, the Lions depth has been repeatedly tested in this still young season. With the two most impactful Lions players, D’Andre Swift and Amon-Ra St. Brown, injured, the team was hoping for big performances from running back Jamaal Williams and tight-end TJ Hockenson.
Hockenson has had a slow start to say the least. Entering the game with only ten receptions and one touchdown, it was clear he was struggling in previous weeks. This week, he was more present in the game plan, catching eight passes for 179 yards. He had a breakout game including an 81-yard reception and two touchdown catches. He broke the franchise record for receiving yards by a tight end in a game. Now, the Lions need him to continue this level of play in the next few weeks. If not, he will not receive an extension in the offseason.
Last week, Jamaal Williams took the majority of the carries, as D’Andre Swift was extremely limited. After rushing for two touchdowns and being the highest graded running back by PFF in week three, Williams was poised for another strong performance. Williams had 108 yards and two touchdowns, breaking his single season touchdowns record in just four weeks. One of his two touchdowns came off a 51-yard explosive run, in which he stiff armed through the Seattle secondary.
Dominik Eberle Misses Everything:
Early in the week, Lions fans received news that starting kicker Austin Seibert was out with an injury for week four. Later, the team announced that practice squad kicker Dominik Eberle would replace him. Not much was thought of the move until the game started. Eberle was atrocious, unable to connect on two extra-points in the first half. He then got penalized for a kick out of bounds, setting the Seahawks up with great field position. He didn’t cost the team the game, but sure didn’t help.
Jared Goff Keep Rolling:
Lions quarterback Jared Goff has been consistently improving to begin the 2022 season. Looking more comfortable with his weapons and the offensive system, he has been a standout for the team this year. As a huge contributor to the Lions offensive explosion, Goff was heavily leaned on in this matchup. Unfortunately, he was missing his two favorite targets in DJ Chark and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Today, Goff was solid. He had a great first half, but opened the second with a pick-six. From there he continued his solid play, rebounding to throw another touchdown. Throwing for 378 yards and four touchdowns was not nearly enough to keep up with points the Lions defense hemorrhaged though, so it was all for not.
Lions Defense get’s Bullied:
It hasn’t been a secret that the Lions linebacking unit has been one of their biggest weaknesses. Again, this was highlighted by the Seahawks. Crossing routes have been a huge problem, and Seahawks schemed to that perfectly. Running free throughout the Lions linebacking core, and also through the secondary, there was no answer to the pass game. The entire team looked lost past the line of scrimmage, easily allowing multiple fast touchdown drives. It was clear from the start that this was going to be a battle between offenses, despite the Seahawks having a weaker scoring attack. Nonetheless, the Lions defense struggled to make any stops, allowing over 500 yards and giving up 48 points. They allowed the Seahawks to be almost perfect on third down, and failed to keep Seattle out of the endzone almost every drive.
Aaron Glenn’s defense has been the worst in the league so far. If this continues, he may be on the hot seat within the next few weeks.
Next, The Lions return to action against the New England Patriots on Sunday, October 9. They will look to bounce-back after this week’s rough performance.
Also, for more of Sam’s work check out the Forward Down the Field Podcast on all streaming platforms.
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