Keys To Victory: Lions vs. Seahawks
The Detroit Lions are home for a Week 4 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
For the Lions, this is a big game. If the Lions can win, they will be back to .500 on the season and look to be on track for this season. If the Lions lose Sunday, this will hurt the direction of head coach Dan Campbell‘s regime and make it difficult to convince players, media, and fans alike that this team is better than last year.
This article gives five keys to victory for the Lions on Sunday.
Get T.J. Hockenson Involved
The Lions have several offensive players injured such as wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Josh Reynolds, running back D’Andre Swift, and right guard Jonah Jackson.
T.J. Hockenson must be more involved in this game. Quarterback Jared Goff must target Hockenson in the middle of the field and in the red zone.
Hockenson is a mismatch for teams; exploit it Sunday.
MicroMike on T.J. Hockenson (1:25)
“We don’t have to have a ton of big plays. If we can get some plays that result in first downs, long sustained drives, and touchdowns in the red zone by a guy who is a big body in T.J., then the Lions have a good chance to win.”
Defensive Line Pressure
The Lions’ defensive line played poorly in their Week 3 matchup versus the Vikings. With no sacks recorded from the defensive line, the defense was having issues stopping Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins.
On Sunday, this must not be the case. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn must dial up the pressure and allow the defensive line to engage in sacks, or quarterback Geno Smith of the Seahawks will pick Detroit apart.
Stop Wide Receivers, Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf
The Seahawks have two great wide receivers on their teams. Wide receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf are deadly; they can beat anyone in the league. Lions cornerback Jeffrey Okudah has been excellent in coverage and should be able to lock Lockett down.
The Lions must be able to find a combination of defensive backs that can contain Metcalf. If Metcalf is free to roam the field, the Lions could be in for a long day.
MicroMike on stopping Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf (5:59)
“We need to come up with a game plan opposite of Okudah; we’ve got to be able to get some help there. Amani Oruwariye was a disaster last week, and I’m concerned he is going to do it again.”
Run The Football
Running the football is the best matchup for the Detroit Lions Sunday. The Lions’ offense ranks third running the football while the Seahawk’s defense ranks thirty-first stopping the run.
This one is simple: run the football all game long. Exploit this mismatch and control the clock.
MicroMike on running the football (7:29)
“It is a huge mismatch and a huge advantage for the Detroit Lions, so take it to them.”
Sound Coaching Decisions
Head coach Dan Campbell must be sound in clock management and play selection. It is essential to control this game both on offense and defense. The Lions have the better roster and are favored to win the game, and Campbell cannot make foolish play-calling decisions that result in a loss.
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