LIONS LOSE TO SEATTLE

The Lions come back in the fourth quarter to force overtime only to lose to the Seahawks on their first possession in overtime.  After the big victory over the defending champion Chiefs last week, the Lions were riding on a high going into this week's game against the Seahawks. Feeling confident, the Lions went into this game only missing one starter on the offensive line and mostly healthy otherwise. After the game? Can't say the same.

 

The Lions lost starter David Montgomery during the game and potentially lost starter and leader CJ Gardner Johnson for the season during the game as well. Pass rushing expert James Houston broke his ankle during the game and will miss a few months. These injuries all did not help the Lions but that isn't the entire story.

 

The Seahawks were missing key offensive linemen and used a quick passing scheme to help with this issue. Releasing the ball within 3 steps helped Geno Smith stay clean besides one sack at the end of regulation and he threw for 328 and 2 TDs including the game winner in OT. The Seahawks run game was pretty much held in check with only 82 yards but Kenneth Walker did score 2 TDs. Tyler Lockett did get free on a few plays and scored twice including the game winner in OT.

 

The biggest difference in the game was the turnover battle. Jared Goff's streak of no interceptions ended at 383 passes, the third longest in NFL history, and it was a pick 6 to end the streak. The pass did bounce off the hands of rookie RB Jahmyr Gibbs so the pass was not off target. The Lions ended the first half by fumbling it away after a 47 yard pass to Amon-Ra St Brown and started the second half with a fumble by Montgomery. These turnovers resulted in 17 points and hurt the Lions throughout the contest.

 

Overall the Lions offense was able to do well enough to force overtime when they were down by 10 with under 5 minutes remaining. Goff threw for 323, 3 TDs and 1 pick. St Brown had 100 yards receiving, Josh Reynolds had 2 TDs and rookie Sam Laporta continues to be a star in the making with another 5 catches and 63 yards, the most catches by a rookie TE since 2009. The Lions defense continues to struggle to get home on defense with only one sack by Alex Anzalone. Aidan Hutchinson did get pressure throughout the game despite the double and triple teams and quick passes by the Seahawks but getting sacks has evaded him thus far this season. Next week, the Lions take on the Falcons who are coming off a win against the Packers. Rookie star Bijan Robinson is their entire offense and the Lions defense will need to shut down the run in order to win this game. The Lions offense will score at will but a shoot out is not the best game plan for this match-up.