Major Takeaways From Lions’ Week 2 Matchup
The Detroit Lions dropped to 1-1 after losing a close game against the Seahawks that ended with a game-ending touchdown from wide receiver Tyler Lockett in overtime.
Watching the game, I compiled the takeaways that I saw that contributed to the loss on Sunday.
1. Dan Campbell there is a time and place for everything:
The biggest momentum shift moment in the game was the failed fourth down conversion at the end of the third quarter.
MCDC is known for being a risky coach who will go for the first down in any situation, just look at the Week 1 Thursday night game against the Chiefs.
However, the Lions were able to surprise teams much more in the past as they didn’t have any expectations going into the season being seen as a bottom of the league team the past few years.
This year, the Lions have much more expectations and eyes on them, making every wrong move have more scrutiny from fans and the media.
This single fourth down completely changed the game and gave the Seahawks a free three points which was exasperated even further with a pick-six thrown on the following drive by Jared Goff.
In a matter of five minutes the game went from a four-point lead for the Lions to being down 10 points and having to scramble with eight minutes left to claw back into the game. Dan Campbell has shown himself to be a reliable coach, but his decision making at key points needs to be worked on even further.
Photo Credit: Kevin Sabitus, Getty Images
2. Defense struggling with pass rush and coverage:
What happened to the second half defense from the game against the Chiefs? The Lions put up one sack all game that came towards the end of the game on a crucial third down.
While Geno Smith was pressured at some points, most of the game he had free reign in the pocket with only Aidan Hutchinson causing pressure all game.
The Seahawks were missing both starting tackles, and only getting one sack on the whole game was very disappointing of a defensive line that looked promising starting this year.
The Lions interior defensive line is banged up with injuries to Isaiah Buggs and rookie Brodric Martin, and in the lack of presence in the trenches all game.
The Seahawks targeted cornerback Jerry Jacobs all game. Jacobs who comes in at 5’11” and was matched up against D.K. Metcalf most of the game who is five inches taller than Jacobs.
The swapping between zone and man defense seems to be confusing the secondary with a lot of blown coverages happening during the game especially against the tight ends.
The defense seemed to have a problem with sending out the proper personnel. Jack Campbell was not as apparent this game as I saw more of Malcolm Rodriguez who got bullied by tight ends Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson.
3. The Referees Hate Us Once Again:
Many fans online have been pointing out the poor officiating for the reason for our loss.
While the officiating was bad, fans are sweeping the previous two issues under the rug and hyper focusing on the refs.
Holding calls were missed all game, and two pass interference calls impacted the drives they were called on significantly giving the Seahawks extra chances to score and stop the Lions offense.
Look for their to be more holding calls against tackles guarding Hutchinson next week as Lions fans were outraged at the missed holding on the final play of the game.
Overall, the offense looked great moving the ball down the field effortlessly. It gives hope that when Jameson Williams returns to the lineup, the offense will be even more lethal with a wide receiver capable of using his speed to get open over the top.
The defense seems to be the soft spot of the team once again starting the season off with two poor performances besides the second half of the Chiefs game.
The Detroit Lions face the Atlanta Falcons next in Week 3 at Ford Field, at 1:00 PM EST.
