ALLEN PARK — Coming off the big win at the Kansas City Chiefs, the Detroit Lions expect a loud, raucous crowd on Sunday at Ford Field in the home opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
“I’m expecting it to be loud. I’m expecting – I know what Arrowhead is and it was loud. I expect it to be louder than that, I really do. I just know our fans and it’s going to be – it’ll be to the point where you can’t hear yourself think, so, for them anyway,’’ coach Dan Campbell said.
Since immediately after the win, the mantra is “That’s one.” Now onto the next.
Quarterback Jared Goff said they plan to build off the momentum.
“You’ve got to keep finding ways to win and keep playing well and practicing well and fixing our mistakes, and there were plenty of them in that game, and finding ways to win,’’ Goff said. “And I think that’s what we’ve done well over this little stretch where we’ve been winning. It’s just late in the fourth quarter, making plays, need guys stepping up. We had a rookie make a pick-6 the other day, stuff like that helps you win and we’ve got to keep doing it.”
The Seahawks have beaten the Lions two straight years — 48-45 in 2022 and 51-29 in 2021.
“We remember and really two years in a row, they’ve beaten us two years in a row and yeah, we remember and want to get our shot back, but they’ll be ready,’’ Goff said. “They’re coming off a loss and have a lot to play for as well, so we’ll be ready for a good fight.”
Seattle (0-1) is coming off a 30-13 loss to Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams.
“I thought they held their own for a while and it got to the point where I think after the injuries, they got a little bit behind the offensive injuries and the defense had gotten a little bit worn down, but this team always presents problems,’’ Campbell said. “It’s been a thorn in our side for two years and so, we know what’s going to be coming in here. We’re going to assume the best out of them and they got after us pretty good last year, real good, so that’s something we won’t forget.”
Five things to watch:
1. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn knows Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and expected him to run the ball early and often. “That’s his background, that’s who he is. … We’re going to have to commit to stopping the run because they will run you out of the stadium if you don’t,’’ Glenn said. “We also have to be able to stop the explosive passes. They have receivers who can take you down.” Running back Kenneth Walker rushed for 64 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry last week.
2. While the offense played well enough in Week 1, one emphasis will be on third-down conversions after converting just 5 of 15 third-down attempts. “We did have chances, some of those short yardage, call it 2-6 (yard) area, we weren’t very good,’’ offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said. “I think we were 2 of 7 for the game, we should be over 50 percent based on what we’re aiming for. … It’s something that L.A. did really well last week against these guys. They didn’t run the ball particularly well but they were able to stay on the field on third down and they had some explosive plays out of it. We need to be better there.’’
3. While the Lions did not sack Patrick Mahomes, he was pressured with 17 hurries and 7 quarterback hits. The discipline showed and that leads Glenn to believe that sacks will come. “I thought Hutch (Aidan Hutchinson) really played his ass off as far as being disciplined and he had a couple shots at the quarterback along with (James) Houston, he had a couple shots as well,’’ Glenn said. “… I’m proud of the way our guys, the discipline as far as how we rushed them. Sometimes sacks can be overrated.I like sacks, I do. Everybody does, the discipline is what I like more because that carries over into the next couple weeks on how you have to rush the quarterback. Those sacks are going to come.’’
4. Expect to see more of rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs who was solid in his debut. Campbell said he didn’t want to put too much on him in the opener so veteran David Montgomery got more touches. Neither disappointed. They must keep it up against the Seahawks’ defense. “We will get Gibbs going as he gets more comfortable. We always have plays tagged for him going into the game but we feel really strongly about David as well. That whole combination, that 1-2 punch is good for us,’’ Johnson said.
5. The fake punt at Kansas City helped set the tone for the game. The Lions are 7 of 8 on fake punt attempts since Dave Fipp was hired as special teams coordinator in 2021. Not only do these fakes make an immediate difference, but opponents have to always be thinking about the possibility on every punt. “Coach Campbell is incredible with that stuff, I’ve said that every time we run one of these things. Really the players are the guys who go out and execute it,’’ Fipp said. “… Ultimately it’s those guys out there making plays and the head coach having the confidence in those guys to call them. It’s been good.’’
KEEP AN EYE ON: Left tackle Taylor Decker (ankle) is doubtful so the O-line will be adjusted if he’s out.
PREDICTION: Lions 31, Seahawks 17. Detroit is the better team and with the home crowd cheering them on, can’t see them laying an egg.
Lions Lowdown 