Detroit Lions vs Seattle Seahawks: What To Watch For

Are you ready Detroit Lions fans? This Monday’s game is a game that most dreaded when they saw it on the Lions schedule for the first time. Of course nobody thought the Lions would be 0-3 and in a must win situation at this time though. The Lions have a find a way to win in a stadium that no team can see to win at in the last couple years. Can they do it? Here’s what to watch for in this game.

Beastmode Out

This is big for the Lions if they hope to have a chance to win this game. The Seahawks are 25-1 at home when Marshawn Lynch runs 100 yards or more. Despite Thomas Rawls being everyone’s fantasy darling after rushing for 100 yards against Chicago, the Lions should have an easier time stopping him than one of the leagues premier running backs. Can the Lions take advantage of this?

Ameer Abdullah to get first start

With Joique Bell missing practice all week, he has officially been listed as out for Monday’s game. Which means the Lions will turn to their second round draft choice to get the ground game going. This actually bodes quite well for the Lions as Joique Bell has had issues getting things going in 2015 and the question has to be, Is Joique done?

The Seahawks are 16th in the NFL against the run, this is where the Lions must make things happen. Setting up a balanced offense will only help the Lions passing game combat with the leagues 3rd ranked pass defense. Speaking of running game.

Aug 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (41) carries the ball past Washington Redskins linebacker Dyshawn Davis (48) in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

What will Zach Zenner do?

Probably not too much so don’t get your hopes up. With Bell missing this game, Zenner is likely to get a few carries on Monday night. I’m sure many would love to see this kid become a star on national television on Monday night. But in reality, he’ll probably just play third wheel to Abdullah and Riddick.

Can Stafford stay on his feet?

The Lions have had some issues keeping Matthew Stafford from being hit in 205 if you haven’t noticed. This week they go up against a familiar face in Cliff Avril, who may be one of the best pass rushers in the league. The offensive line looks to be at full strength going into this game, but will it make difference if the play call requires Stafford to hold onto the ball for a half an hour per play?

Will the Lions stray from the playbook?

In my opinion, the Lions would be better off wining this game without a playbook. Just go out there and play some school yard ball. Obviously that’s never going to happen and the Lions are likely to continue to run a predictable offense and once again, it could be their undoing.

If the Lions decide to come in and run an up-tempo offense and get the ball out of Stafford’s hands quickly, they might be able to pull this game off. This is after all a winnable game, but can the Lions just go out win?

Mike Payton is an Editor at SideLion Report. He is from Holland, Michigan by way of Warren, Michigan. He considers himself to be obsessed with the Detroit Lions. Mike’s work has been featured on ESPN Radio, Fox Sports Radio, CBS Sports Radio and si.com. Mike is also a weekly contributor on It is what is with Sean Baligian on ESPN 96.1 and a contributor for The Holland Sentinel. Follow Mike Payton on Twitter@SLR_Mike

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