The Seattle Seahawks are no longer among the ranks of the undefeated in the NFL, as they fall 42-29 to the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football. It is the first loss in Detroit (and to the Lions overall) since the 2012 season. Seattle falls to 3-1 on the year, but remains atop the NFC West in first place going into Week 5.
The Seahawks defense were without six starters, and boy howdy, did they play like it. Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II, Uchenna Nwosu, Boye Mafe and Jerome Baker were all ruled OUT before a snap was even taken, and Pro Bowl safety Julian Love left during the game with a thigh injury. The result was a Detroit Lions team having their absolute way with the Seahawks all night long.
Detroit took a 21-7 lead into the half, and maintained at least the two-score lead for most of the game. Anytime Seattle pulled close with a touchdown of their own, the Lions were quick to respond. Here’s what I’m talking about:
- Seahawks score on opening drive of the third quarter to make it 21-14, Lions march 70 yards in five plays to make it 28-14.
- Seahawks answer with an 80-yard touchdown drive to make it 28-20 (failed two-point attempt) and the Lions score on a 75-yard touchdown in one play to make it 35-20.
- Seahawks make it 35-27, and after punts from both teams, Lions turn it into 42-27 with under six minutes to play.
Sadly, the fumble from DK Metcalf in the first half truly loomed large, as it gave Detroit their initial 14-0 lead. The Lions did not take their foot off the gas, keeping the Seahawks at a healthy distance on the scoreboard.
Detroit quarterback Jared Goff was quite literally perfect on the night, completing 18-of-18 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns, as well as a receiving touchdown on a trick play. Seattle’s inability to slow Goff and the Lions down even a little wasted a sublime performance from the Seahawks offense.
Geno Smith and Kenneth Walker III were nothing short of elite on Monday. Smith threw for 395 yards, while Walker III found the end zone as many times as there are numbers in his name. Having Walker III back in the lineup makes this Seahawks offense as lethal as ever, rushing for 80 yards and three scores.
Smith and Co. gave it their best effort, and actually managed to outgain Detroit 516 to 398, but they simply could not keep pace with a Detroit team facing next to no resistance. A late safety and gave the Seahawks one final chance, which ended in an interception from a Smith desperation heave to the end zone. It is a rotten shame Seattle could not find a way to win with their offense playing at such a high level, easily their best performance of the year so far.
What’s next for the Seahawks? They will return to the Pacific Northwest for a Week 5 game against the flailing New York Giants, who will present a favorable matchup for Seattle to get back in the win column. Hopefully they will get considerably healthier next Sunday, otherwise quarterback Daniel Jones is actually going to look like a player worthy of the massive extension he received last year.
