The Detroit Lions haven’t moved to the NFC West. Their early-season schedule just makes it seem that way.
Detroit (2-1) edged the Los Angeles Rams in overtime in its opener. The Lions topped Arizona 20-13 in their first road test last weekend.
They’ll now host undefeated Seattle on Monday night.
Lions coach Dan Campbell knows full well how much of a challenge the Seahawks (3-0) present, even with a new coaching staff led by Mike Macdonald. Seattle has won the last six meetings, with Detroit’s last victory over the Seahawks coming in 2012.
“I would be lying though if I told you that I don’t know that we’ve lost to them three years in a row,” said Campbell, Detroit’s head coach since the 2021 season. “I do know that. So, you get tired of that. You get tired of that after one loss, much less three.”
Detroit didn’t score in the second half against the Cardinals, but its defense was stout and the offense was well-balanced. Quarterback Jared Goff completed 18 of 23 passes for 199 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Running backs David Montgomery (one TD) and Jahmyr Gibbs combined for 188 yards.
Campbell anticipates that his offense will need to be more dynamic to head into a bye week on a winning note.
“We have to be very efficient, first and second down, and then, honestly, I think we have to win the explosive battle,” he said. “We have to get some explosives on offense, and we have to shut theirs down.”
Goff threw for 323 yards and three touchdowns last season against Seattle, but the Seahawks pulled out a 37-31 overtime win. However, Goff sees a lot of changes on film between last year’s Seahawks defense and this year’s group.
“It’s a completely different scheme,” he said. “I’m sure there’s a couple players that are still there, but as far as what you’re looking at schematically, it’s entirely different.”
Seattle quarterback Geno Smith passed for 328 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions last season.
Smith connected with DK Metcalf on a 71-yard scoring pass in last week’s 24-3 home victory over Miami. Zach Charbonnet, filling in for injured Kenneth Walker, rushed for 91 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.
Metcalf has produced two consecutive 100-yard games. He worked during the offseason on snagging more passes in traffic.
“That definitely was a focus for me this offseason,” he said. “Contested catches or 50/50 balls going up and attacking the ball, instead of trying to let it come down to me and catch it over my shoulder.”
One way the Lions can neutralize Seattle’s passing offense is to get pressure on Smith. Detroit’s top defensive player, Aidan Hutchinson, has already recorded 6.5 sacks.
“We’ve got to find 97. He’s off to a great start,” Smith said of Hutchinson. “Obviously, he’s a high draft pick and he’s a guy who they’re going to rely on. So if we can stalemate him, keep him from making big plays and getting in the backfield, getting (tackles for losses) and sacks, then we’ll make it hard on their defense.”
Detroit will be without starting center Frank Ragnow, who has a partially torn pectoral muscle. Tight end Sam LaPorta missed Thursday’s practice due to an ankle injury. Linebacker Alex Anzalone, who missed Sunday’s game due to a concussion, fully participated in practice.
Walker (oblique) was limited in Seattle’s practice on Thursday. Defensive starters Leonard Williams (ribs) and linebackers Uchenna Nwosu (knee) and Jerome Baker (hamstring) sat out.
