Tag: Seattle Seahawks vs. Detroit Lions

Breaking down the best throws from Jared Goff’s historic performance on Monday Night

Breaking down the best throws from Jared Goff’s historic performance on Monday Night Football vs. Seahawks

On Monday Night, it was a historic performance for Lions quarterback Jared Goff. He went 18-for-18 for 292 yards and two touchdowns. For Goff, he set the record for the most passing attempts without an incompletion in a single game in NFL history.

His performance helped the Lions score 6 touchdowns and improve to a 3-1 record as they enter their bye week. It’s a much needed bye week for the Lions as they’re injured on both sides of the football and need to get healthy with key games against the Cowboys, Vikings, Packers and Texans coming up. For now, let’s break down some of the best throws from Goff on Monday Night!

One of the best throws of the night for Jared Goff happened later in the game to wide receiver Tim Patrick. Looking at the play above, the Lions come out with their ’11’ personnel (one running back and one tight end). Prior to the snap, Goff shifted from shotgun to under center.

Once the ball is snapped, Goff gives a slight fake to the running back and then looks downfield. Initially, it looks like he’s going to throw the ball to Amon-Ra St. Brown on the spot route underneath but he changes it up and throws the dig route.

The Lions love throwing to those dig routes and it’s well ran by Tim Patrick. Building that rapport between Goff and Patrick has taken time but it’s starting to turn into a good connection between the two. Seeing more of this as the season continues should bode well for the success of the offense.

The last play I want to discuss is how Jared Goff improved from week 3 to week 4 when targeting Jameson Williams. Much of that is because he’s starting to anticipate Williams on crossing routes over the field.

Against the Cardinals, Goff had missed Williams a few times or didn’t anticipate him at all. However, that changed on Monday Night against the Seahawks.

Looking at the play above, Goff operates off play-action and before Williams even breaks over the middle of the field, the ball is already out of the hand of Goff. It’s a great anticipation throw that leads to Williams running it all the way in for a 70-yard touchdown. This type of play can happen weekly for the Lions if Goff continues to anticipate these types of throws.

Overall, it’s been two strong performances in a row for Jared Goff. After a questionable performance against the Buccaneers, he’s starting to look like the quarterback we all love to watch and chant for on a weekly basis. He’s far from perfect and isn’t the most athletic quarterback in the NFL but on Monday Night, he was perfect.

Jared Goff shows off the deep arm in Monday night warmups

Even though Goff isn’t known for his deep throws, he proved he’s got the arm to make them

Jared Goff is not known for being one of the strongest-armed quarterbacks in the NFL. That’s not his game, even though he’s thrown for bushels of yards in his career with the Lions and Rams.

Don’t mistake his lack of a rocket launcher arm a la Josh Allen or Anthony Richardson for Goff not being able to unleash the deep throw, however. Goff has been known to let it fly at times just to show that he can. And No. 16 did just that in the early warmups ahead of Detroit’s Week 4 meeting with the Seattle Seahawks.

Goff uncorked a throw that flew 65 yards in the air on a direct line to his target in Ford Field:

 

You might not see it from Goff in a game, but that doesn’t mean he can’t do it…

Two key questions for the Lions heading into the Seahawks game

Two key questions for the Lions heading into the Seahawks game

How will the Lions interior offensive line perform without Frank Ragnow?

Frank Ragnow, the 2023 2nd-team All-Pro center, strained his left pec last game and is out for Monday night. It’s not expected to be a long-term issue but even a short-term loss to one of the NFL’s best centers is a big deal.

While it was not officially announced who will be starting at center, Jared Goff’s words suggest that Graham Glasgow will be moving from LG to C. This means two of the three spots along the interior line will be different.

The likely candidates to fill in at LG are Kayode Awosika, a 4th-year player who has started six games in his career, including last year’s conference championship, and Michael Niese, a 2nd-year player with no starts.

For a team that has struggled a bit with interior offensive line pass protection even when all starters were healthy, the performance with backups will be key. Can the interior offensive line protect Goff and open up holes in the running game?

What may help balance out the loss of Ragnow is that the Seahawks will be missing four impact players along the front seven – Leonard Williams DE, Byron Murphy DT, Boye Mafe LB, and Uchenna Nwosu LB.

Can the Lions pass defense compensate for the unexpected loss of Brian Branch?

After a stellar rookie year at nickel CB, Branch has made an excellent transition to the safety position this year being one of the NFL leaders in pass breakups. He suffered a concussion last game but passed through the 5-step concussion protocol and was ready to play. However, a surprise illness on Sunday gave Branch a “doubtful” designation which almost guarantees he will miss the Seahawks game.

Brandon Joseph, an undrafted 2nd-year player who has only appeared in five NFL games logging a total of five defensive snaps, figures to take Branch’s place. How he performs in his first extended action will be something to watch. The next man up after Brandon Joseph is Loren Strickland, an undrafted rookie who has yet to play a defensive snap.

Geno Smith and the talented Seahawks WR group of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will certainly test the fledgling backup Lions safety. Last year against the Lions, Smith went 32/41 for 328 yards and 2 TD’s. Can the Lions limit the Seahawks passing game this year?

In the Lions favor, the Seahawks will be playing their 3rd-string RT Stone Forsythe after George Fant was placed on IR earlier in the week. Fant was filling in for original starter Abe Lucas who has been on the PUP list all year.

If Aidan Hutchinson and the Lions pass rush can take advantage with quick pressures on Geno Smith, that will go a long ways in compensating for the loss of Branch.

Lions vs Seahawks: Final injury report medical breakdown

Lions vs Seahawks: Final injury report and medical breakdown

Health news improved throughout the week for many of the Lions. While there are major long-term losses to Derrick Barnes and Marcus Davenport and a short-term loss to Frank Ragnow, the team is otherwise in pretty good shape.

The Seahawks will be missing multiple impact defenders along with their starting RT. Kenneth Walker returns though after missing one game.

DETROIT LIONS

Brian Branch (LP FP FP- IN) concussion, S

Branch will be available on Monday night. The 2x FP means he has passed through the 5-step concussion protocol without a recurrence of symptoms. Interestingly, the other player concussed in the collision, Trey McBride, was ruled out earlier this week which demonstrates the variability of concussions.

Sam LaPorta (NP FP FP- IN) ankle, TE

LaPorta will play vs the Seahawks with a right low ankle sprain. He won’t be 100% for this game but should be close after the bye.

Frank Ragnow (NP NP NP- OUT) pectoral, C

Ragnow strained his left pec and is out for this game, but has a chance to be back after the bye. If he is not placed on IR by Monday, then that suggests a short-term injury of less than four weeks. Dan Campbell’s statements on Saturday suggest that Ragnow will not be going on IR.

Dan Skipper (NP FP FP- IN) ribs, OT

Skipper landed on a defender’s elbow which likely caused a right rib bruise/strain. There is a chance of a rib fracture but the 2x FP rules out a complex fracture or lung injury.

Ennis Rakestraw (LP LP FP- Questionable) hamstring, CB

After hurting his hamstring in pregame of week two, Rakestraw has missed the past two games. Not putting him on IR last week meant that this was likely a short-term issue. With the other CB’s healthy, he might still be inactive as a precaution even though the FP means he could play.

Alim McNeill (LP FP FP- IN) shoulder, DT

McNeill fortunately escaped significant injury despite missing the 2nd half of last game. Based on video, he might have had a mild left AC joint sprain.

Levi Onwuzurike (LP FP FP- IN) knee, DL

No video of this suspected right knee injury, but it’s apparently minor and won’t keep him out on Monday.

Alex Anzalone (FP FP FP- IN) concussion, LB

Anzalone had a concussion two weeks ago, missed one game, but is ready to roll now.

Hogan Hatten (UL UL FP – IN) shoulder, LS

This new addition to the report on Saturday is no concern with the FP.

PLACED ON IR THIS WEEK

Derrick Barnes right knee

The video isn’t clear but it looked like a lateral side impact which can cause an MCL sprain and possibly more. The official diagnosis and severity are still unknown, but it sounds like he has a chance to return later this year.

Marcus Davenport left elbow

The official diagnosis is unclear, but video shows a possible elbow flexor injury to the biceps or brachialis. If that’s indeed the case, it’s likely a full rupture given that he is reportedly out for the year.

Ifeatu Melifonwu ankle

Hurt since the 2nd preseason game, Melifonwu was finally placed on IR which puts him out for another four games.

OTHER NOTES

Dan Campbell stated on Saturday that Christian Mahogany (mononucleosis, NFI) and Brodric Martin (right knee hyperextension, IR) are close to returning to practice with Mahogany being closer.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Leonard Williams (NP NP NP- OUT) ribs, DE

Williams is one of the Seahawks star defenders having signed a three-year, $64.5 million contract in the offseason.

Boye Mafe (NP NP NP- OUT ) knee, LB

This key pass rusher for the Seahawks has had a sack in each game this year.

Byron Murphy (NP NP NP- OUT) hamstring, DT

Murphy was the 16th overall pick in the 2024 draft and has already been impactful in his rookie year.

Uchenna Nwosu (NP NP LP – OUT) knee, LB

This impact LB for the Seahawks sprained his MCL in preseason on August 24 and has yet to play in the regular season.

Kenneth Walker (LP LP FP – IN ) oblique, RB

MSU and U of M fans are acutely aware of Walker’s capabilities. He missed last game but is back for Monday night.

NOTABLES PLACED ON IR

George Fant RT

Fant, the starting RT, was placed on IR a few days ago due to a right knee injury. He was filling in for original starter Abe Lucas (PUP). This will be the fourth straight game the Lions opponent is missing a starting OT.

The rest of the lengthy Seahawks report is below. Most had FP’s and are IN.

Studs and Duds for the Lions’ overtime loss to the Seahawks

Here are the Detroit Lions Studs and Duds after dropping their home opener to the Seattle Seahawks in overtime

The Detroit Lions were left disheartened today after they suffered a devastating loss to the Seattle Seahawks in their home opener. The match went into overtime, but the Lions lost 37-31, much to the disappointment of their fans.

Despite their recent victory against the Kansas City Chiefs, the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Lions were unable to maintain their form against the Seahawks, which was frustrating for their supporters. The team had plenty of time to prepare for the game, but their performance was lackluster and below par, which ultimately cost them the win. A combination of injuries and questionable coaching decisions made it difficult for the Lions to recover and make a comeback.

After such a loss, there will undoubtedly be some finger-pointing and analysis of what went wrong. However, there were some positives to take away from the game. Here are some of the Studs and Duds for the Lions in their game against the Seahawks.

5 Lions who need to play well against the Seahawks

The Detroit Lions host the Seattle Seahawks at home for their Week 2 matchup. Here are 5 players who need to play well against the Seahawks

The Detroit Lions are looking to continue their momentum into Week 2 when they face off against the Seattle Seahawks, who lost their first game against the Los Angeles Rams.

The Lions made a statement in their season opener and are expected to bring the same energy to Ford Field. Meanwhile, the Seahawks are dealing with some injuries that the Lions can capitalize on to secure their second win in as many weeks. After reviewing their performance in the Kansas City game, the coaches and players have had time to prepare for the tough Seattle opponent during the mini-bye.

To secure their victory, the Lions will need to rely on the performance of several key players. Here are five Lions players who need to play well against the Seahawks.

Watch: Detroit Lions Podcast Week 1 wrap and Week 2 preview

The Detroit Lions Podcast wrapped up the key points from Week 1 and looks ahead to the Week 2 home opener against the wounded Seahawks

The latest episode of the Detroit Lions Podcast is now available to watch or stream. This week’s live show focused on the Week 1 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, as well as looking ahead to the Week 2 home opener against Seattle.

Among the topics covered in this one, recorded on Wednesday night:

  • Brian Branch’s rookie heroics
  • Jahmyr Gibbs’ usage
  • Ben Johnson’s uncharacteristic rough night
  • Overcoming the narrative of starting slow in a season
  • The frivolity of asterisks
  • CJGJ and the ski mask phenomenon
  • Taylor Decker’s ankle injury and potential replacement plans
  • Celebrating after years of forgetting how
  • Seattle’s wounded OL

 

The audio-only version of the show is available here or via your favorite podcast provider.

Seahawks expect to be without both starting offensive tackles vs. the Lions

The Seahawks will face the Lions in Detroit in Week 2 without RT Abe Lucas and likely without LT Charles Cross as well due to injuries

The Seattle Seahawks suffered some major injury issues in their Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Those will carry over into their trip to Detroit in Week 2 to face the unbeaten Lions.

Seattle placed starting right tackle Abraham Lucas on I.R. on Wednesday, meaning he will miss several weeks. Lucas injured his knee in the loss to the Rams.

It’s a big loss. Lucas is stylistically similar to Detroit’s Penei Sewell in both physicality and attitude, and that’s not easy to replace or recreate. Seattle signed 41-year-old Jason Peters to help fill in.

The Seahawks are also expected to play without starting left tackle Charles Cross, who is dealing with a toe injury.

Seahawks struggles in Week 1 show Lions paths to success in Week 2

The Detroit Lions head home as they face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2, who did not perform to expectations in their Week 1 loss.

Heading into Week 2’s matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Seattle Seahawks, the two teams had very different outcomes in Week 1. While the Lions pulled off a significant win against the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Seahawks suffered a loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the team that kept the Lions out of the playoffs last year.

Despite not playing a clean game, the Lions managed to pull everything together to secure the win, which has been their motto under Dan Campbell’s leadership. With their mini-bye, they have had time to prepare for a tough Seahawks team that is looking to bounce back after their loss to the Rams.

After their surprise rise last year, the Seahawks were expected to continue their hot streak into the new season. However, early in their Week 1 game, they were leading 13-7 heading into halftime, but ended up losing in the second half. Many metrics showed how ineffective the Seahawks offense was, including their low time of possession and small number of plays in the second half.

One of the reasons the Seahawks offense struggled was due to the loss of both of their starting tackles, Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas. Losing both starting tackles can be detrimental to any team’s performance. Their status for the upcoming game against the Lions will be closely monitored. If they are unable to play, the Seahawks may have a difficult time against the Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson, who had a stellar game against the Chiefs.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Seahawks had mixed results. Their run defense looked good, allowing only 92 yards with a 2.3 yards per carry average, but they allowed three rushing touchdowns. Their pass rush was also ineffective, registering only two quarterback hits and no sacks, allowing Matthew Stafford to carve up the secondary for 334 yards. The Lions offensive line is considered stronger than the Rams’ offensive line, so the Lions could have an advantage in this department.

It’s important to remember that a team’s first game of the season can be unpredictable. Overreactions are common, but it’s not fair to judge a team based on one game. The Lions will have the home-field advantage, so they will look to take advantage of the raucous crowd and secure their second win of the season.

Bold predictions for the 2023 Detroit Lions season

Laying out some bold predictions about the 2023 Detroit Lions with Lions Wire’s Jeff Risdon

There’s no avoiding the hype surrounding the 2023 Detroit Lions. As the regular season races to begin, so too do the superlatives and excitement from fans in Detroit and around the country. These Lions under Dan Campbell are one of the big NFL media darlings, too.

The team, from GM Brad Holmes on through the players and the coaching staff, appear poised and ready to back it all up. Some great things could be in store for Detroit.

Fueled by a fresh pot of black coffee and with the enthusiasm flowing, here are some bolder predictions for the 2023 Detroit Lions.

Not all of these are positive-tinged. Now that the team has escaped the dark ages of the Quinntricia regime, it’s actually bold to predict some negative outcomes instead of just expecting them to be the reality.