In a surprisingly headline rich game for two eliminated teams, the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks will meet each other in a snowy Seattle. The Seahawks – specifically Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson – have more to lose than the Lions. Wilson may be once again testing the waters on leaving, or asking for a new head coach as the Seattle organisation experiences its first losing season since the Wilson era began. The Lions, meanwhile, are already very experienced in losing. As an expectedly bad season ends, their yet are positive factors to be found. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to light up the offense while Jalon Reeves-Maybin and Amani Oruwariye stand as bright spots for the future of a cohesive defense. Such momentum gives the young and seemingly chaotic Lions a chance to shock the Seahawks regime on a snow Sunday.
Rising Detroit Lions Defense Can Shock Seattle Seahawks in the Snow
Probably no Goff
Jared Goff, missing last week due to landing on the COVID-19/reserve list may miss another game due to a knee injury. Tim Boyle thus might start his third game this season, a week after losing against the Atlanta Falcons on a shattering interception near the goal line. Even without the playoffs – or positioning of any value – on this game, the Lions will still miss a chance to evaluate Goff. He will also miss a chance to plant himself as a leader on the field as the team continues to gain momentum.
The Seahawks defence is likely to leave room open for Boyle to attack them short. While Seattle’s defense has improved, linebacker Babby Wagner remains the most targeted player on their defence, allowing an 81.4% completion percentage. Wagner, of course, is a Pro-Bowler; his weakness in pass coverage is a symptom of a shaky backfield in Seattle and over reliance on a bend-do-not-break defense. In the cold air of Seattle, Boyle should avoid passing deep, instead relying on the running game setting up screens and passing lanes behind linebackers in the mid-field.
Lions Defense has opportunity to create chaos in NFL Headlines
The expected result of the match is that Seattle, at home and in the snow, can swiftly and efficiently dispatch of Detroit. Yet, Seattle’s offense and Russell Wilson have been inefficient and impeded their own chances to win. Despite being blitzed on only 86 plays (31st), opposing teams sacked Wilson 31 times (13th). If the Lions secondary coverage can extend plays, there is a decent chance the offensive line will break down and Wilson will end up on the ground.
At the same time, the Lions record does not indicate they will achieve this. The Lions give up the most net yards per pass attempt in the NFL (7.3). They have improved in recent weeks and must capitalise on all their improvements to play a complete game.
The notion of the complete game is something that goes back to their win against the Arizona Cardinals. While the Lions have accomplished some small goals – control time of clock well, convert fourth downs, achieving a complete game for all units is critical against Seattle. Defensively, this also means forcing turnovers and taking advantage of a mistake prone offense under immense pressure. Unlike the Wilson of past years, teams who have put up an early lead on him win. The Lions can copy their slow, controlled offense and force Wilson to pass from behind. That will give the Lions more chances to make bigger plays on the defence.
Outside of Detroit, the headline after a Lions win would be more focused on the dissolution of the Seattle Seahawks. Inside Detroit, however, there would be much excitement. This game allows Detroit to take advantage of weaknesses and continue crafting future stars. The potential revelations in this match make it a must study game in Week 17.
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