Momentum and hope are high coming off a hard-fought week in week one against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Detroit Lions hope to improve to 2-0 on Sunday with a victory against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Seahawks are coming off a very disappointing week one that was highlighted by their quarterback Geno Smith dealing with Aaron Donald and the Rams pass rush all game. After an offseason that saw them extend their quarterback and become one of the more complete rosters in the NFL, a loss to a bewildered Rams team in week one wasn’t on the table.
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With the Lions looking to win against a Seahawks team attempting to prove their week one performance was a fluke, these keys to victory have extra importance.
Take advantage of their offensive line injuries
Last week the pass rush of the Los Angeles Rams was on point and created all sorts of problems for the Seahawks. Aiden Hutchison and his fellow pass rushers could take advantage of a thin Seahawks offensive line group that just signed Jason Peters after an injury to Charles Cross last week. The Lions pass rush speed should be enough to overcome the offensive line they do lineup and earn three to five sacks in the process.
Contain Kenneth Walker
Kenneth Walker is a fun, powerful running back who can be deceptively elusive despite his size. The Michigan State fans who are Lions fans don’t need to be reminded, Walker was a workhorse back who plowed through the Big Ten in a season that was special. Now in the NFL, Walker has dealt with injuries at times but when he is healthy he has the potential to be one of the best running backs in the NFL. Keeping him contained and not breaking off any large gains or touchdowns is huge for their success.
Once Again, Make a Play on Special Teams
Last week, we had a special teams play with a gutsy fake punt that swung momentum and ended up being a major part of the win against the Chiefs. Pulling off another big play in the special teams department could be just as massive in what could be a closer game than some may imagine.
Don’t Allow D.K. Metcalf to take the top off the defense
Seahawks WR D.K. Metcalf works best when he is able to use his speed and physical ability to overpower cornerbacks and safeties. Last week, he averaged 15.7 yards per reception on three catches so if they are able to keep him in that same range, all should be good. The problem he creates is when he takes the top off the defense on one big play, it can create an avalanche effect that the Lions can’t afford.