The Lions showed out on Monday Night Football, securing a 3-1 record heading into their Bye Week. The offense was nearly unstoppable Monday night, posting 42 points agaisnt a stiffling Mike Macdonald defense. The Lions punted on only 3 of their 10 drives, scoring touchdowns on 6 drives. Taking a safety towards the end of the game was definitely a blemish on the resume, but overall the Lions looked dominant.
Ben Johnson was noticeably more confident in his playcalling this week, and I think that can be traced back to getting the run game going early in the game. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs combined for 118 yards on 26 caries. Jared Goff returned to form this week, throwing an NFL record 18 completions on 18 attempts for 292 yards with 2 touchdowns. Not to mention a recieving touchdown from Amon-Ra St. Brown on a play dubbed 'Alcatraz'. Alcatraz was reportedly in the playbook for multiple years, but I feel it was the perfect time and place for it to be debuted.
David Montgomery had a highlight-reel run after the catch, trucking Devon Witherspoon on his way to a Beast Mode-esque gain of 40. Jameson Williams also had an electrifying 70-yard touchdown on a crosser, torching the Seahawks' secondary. You can't teach speed, and man, Williams' speed is just straight up unfair. So much so that Williams was high stepping into the endzone from about the 25-yard line. Jamo also paid tribute to Calvin Johnson on his inauguration into the Pride of the Lions by dunking the ball through the goal posts.
Terrion Arnold and the defense showed up to play in primetime. Despite many, many defensive holding and pass interference calls, the defense held the historically potent Seahawk offense to 29 points. That is the lowest point total the Seahawks have had agaisnt the Lions in the previous three years. While there is some controversy over a 2-point attempt late in the game, that likely wouldn't have made much of a difference in the outcome of the game.
The Seahawks put up a heck of a game, posting 395 yards through the air and 133 rush yards. Kenneth Walker III looks like a franchise running back, and UM fans know his style of play all too well. Geno Smith has had the Lions secondary's number for the past few years, but with a newly found sticky and physical play style, the Seahawk receievers couldn't get open ike they have in the past. D.K. Metcalf put up 104 yards on 7 receptions, but holding him under 150 yards is an accomplishment. He is the kind of player that can totally destroy your gameplan and secondary if given the opportunity. Aaron Glenn continues to step up to the challenge.
Kerby Joseph sealed the game with an interception in the endzone, during a last ditch effort by the Seahawks to get back in the game. That marks his third interception on the season, all of which have come in the endzone. Amik Robertson led the team in tackles with 8, followed by Jack Campbell, Kerby Joseph and Brandon Joseph with 5 tackles each. While Aidan Hutchinson didn't have a sack this game, he did have 15 pressures, leading to a sack for D.J. Reader and half a sack for both Levi Onwuzirke and Alim McNeill.
The Lions showed why, when the engine is firing on all cylinders, they are a force to be reckoned with. Offensive fire power complemented by a physical, tough-as-nails defense. As the season has gone on, the Lions have been slowly getting to super-power form, and the league should be put on notice. The Lions will look to go to 4-1 after the bye versus the Cowboys in a revenge game.
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