The Detroit Lions (2-1) are preparing for a tough Week 4 showdown on “Monday Night Football” as they host the undefeated Seattle Seahawks (3-0). Head coach Dan Campbell knows the challenge ahead, acknowledging Seattle’s balanced play. “They’re playing solid, complementary football. Their defense is excellent in nearly every category. We’ve got a fight ahead, but we’re ready,” Campbell stated earlier this week.
To hand Seattle their first loss and enter their bye at 3-1, the Lions must follow key strategies, forming what we call the *Honolulu Blueprint*.
Key 1: Dominate the Ground Game
In 2023, the Seahawks struggled to stop the run, ranking near the bottom in multiple categories. The Lions capitalized on this during their last meeting, rushing for over 100 yards and a touchdown. While Seattle has improved their run defense this season, ranking mid-tier with 116.3 rushing yards allowed per game, the Lions must stay committed to the run if they want to control the pace of the game.
Through the first three games of 2024, Detroit’s rushing attack has been impressive, averaging 163 yards per game (3rd in the league) with a healthy 4.8 yards per carry. A consistent ground attack will keep the Seahawks’ defense on its heels, preventing them from setting up third-down scenarios where they thrive. Campbell emphasizes the need to avoid these situations: “We can’t let them pin us on third down. We need to stay efficient on early downs.”
Detroit will also need to counter Seattle’s defensive schemes, especially their elite secondary. By establishing a strong run game, the Lions can force Seattle’s defense to load the box, opening up opportunities for deep shots in the passing game.
Key 2: Jared Goff Must Play a Full Game
Seattle’s secondary, led by cornerbacks Riq Wollen and Devon Witherspoon, has been formidable, not allowing any opposing quarterback to surpass 150 passing yards. However, context matters—Seattle hasn’t faced a top-tier quarterback like Jared Goff. Through three weeks, they’ve faced relatively inexperienced or backup QBs. Now, Goff has the chance to test them.
Goff has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but his consistency has been lacking. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson believes the offense is close to breaking through. “We’ve yet to play a full 60 minutes on offense, but I know it’s coming. We’ve got too much talent not to explode,” Johnson said.
Against Seattle, patience and accuracy will be key for Goff. The Seahawks don’t blitz much (just 19.2% of plays), meaning the Lions’ offensive line should provide Goff with enough time. It’s crucial that he takes advantage and avoids forcing plays into Seattle’s disciplined secondary.
Key 3: Win the Explosive Play Battle
To win this game, the Lions need to control the explosive plays, both offensively and defensively. Seattle thrives on creating big plays, often relying on Geno Smith’s deep throws to star receiver DK Metcalf. Campbell highlighted Seattle’s strategy, noting how they “chip away at a defense before hitting them with a big play when they least expect it.”
Detroit’s defense has done well limiting big plays so far, but they’ll need to stay sharp against a Seahawks offense that loves to stretch the field. On the other side, the Lions must generate explosive plays of their own, especially through speedy receiver Jameson Williams and their versatile running backs.
Johnson emphasized the importance of precision. “In games like this, the right read can turn a small gain into a game-changing explosive play. But if we’re off by even a little, it’s a missed opportunity.”
Key 4: Hutchinson Needs to Dominate—Against His Former Coach
Aidan Hutchinson’s evolution as an elite pass rusher has been remarkable, thanks in part to Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, who previously coached him at Michigan. Macdonald helped Hutchinson develop the freedom and technique that made him the second overall pick in 2022. Now, Hutchinson faces his former coach, who knows his game better than most.
But Hutchinson has continued to grow since then. After recording 9.5 sacks as a rookie and 11.5 in 2023, he’s off to an even hotter start in 2024 with 6.5 sacks through three games. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn credits Hutchinson’s continued success to his work ethic and adaptability. “Aidan’s learned to diversify his moves, which keeps offensive linemen guessing,” Glenn explained.
With Seattle’s offensive line dealing with injuries and backups starting at right tackle, Hutchinson has an opportunity to disrupt Seattle’s offense. His ability to get pressure on Geno Smith will be a major factor in limiting Seattle’s big-play potential.
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By executing these four keys—dominating the run, getting a complete game from Goff, winning the explosive play battle, and unleashing Hutchinson—the Lions can hand the Seahawks their first loss and head into their bye week riding high at 3-1.
