Matthew Stafford And The Detroit Lions Get To Head Back Home This Week With A Chance To Get Over .500 After Taking Care Of Business In Miami Last Weekend.
Source: #Giants DT Damon “Snacks” Harrison is being traded to the #Lions. Wow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 24, 2018
This was the big news as of Wednesday morning. The Detroit Lions personnel department hit a home run when they were able to bring in Damon “snacks” Harrison from the Giants for only a 5th round draft pick. Not only does it address the Lions run defense, which is their biggest weakness, but it also turns a defensive front that was steadily improving into, potentially, one of the more steady groups in the league. Harrison brings a toughness and flair to an improving defensive line.
This Weeks Opponent: The Seattle Seahawks
Quarterback Russell Wilson and the Seahawks come into this game against the Lions as the clear second-best team in their division behind the mighty Rams. Some would consider it a surprise to see Seattle at 3-3, but I think most will admit they had a hunch that with players like Wilson and linebacker Bobby Wagner still around the team would be decent. This Seattle team will put the Lions to the test as they come in with the league’s seventh-ranked rushing attack and a defense that’s giving up just 19.5 points per game, good enough for fifth in the NFL. Time of possession will be key in determining who comes out on top in what will likely be a low-scoring matchup.
The Seahawks have relied on a solid rushing attack and time of possession to win games this year, but are averaging under 200 pass yards per game which could be an issue for them if they get behind early. Head coach Matt Patricia has done a good job in the Lions wins this year of getting the team off to quick starts and putting pressure on the opposition early. That will be key if the Lions want to get over .500 and solidify themselves back into the playoff conversation. If Seattle starts fast, the Lions will need a good performance from Snacks, in whatever capacity they have him this week and the rest of the defensive front because Seattle will be trying to run it down their throats.
Don’t Let Numbers Fool You… The Detroit Lions Can Torch This Defense
Gone are the days of the Legion of Boom… cornerback Richard Sherman and safety Kam Chancellor have abandoned what is now a shell of the former Seattle defense which terrified the NFL. This squad is now comprised of KJ Wright, Wagner, and a lot of players that I have not heard of. Some notables are draft busts Barkevious Mingo and Dion Jordan, along with former Michigan DL Frank Clark who I most remember for the time he stole someone’s laptop in college. Head coach Pete Carroll and his staff have gotten a lot out of what they have so far but this Seattle defense is vulnerable.
I personally can’t stand watching Wilson as a fan of the opposition. After watching him scramble around on 3rd and 20+, dodging sack after sack, and completing heartbreaking 23-yard passes for years, it makes me happy to see that he doesn’t have as much help these days. Wide receiver Tyler Lockett is their leading receiver at 360 yards, but if Seattle has to throw themselves into a game, things don’t look good for them. As long as the Lions continue to improve against the run and stop giving up huge chunk plays, they shouldn’t have a bad day against the Seattle offense.
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