Lions vs. Seahawks: Full game preview by position

Defense

Defensive Line

Detroit just recently got a massive upgrade along the defensive line. Damon Harrison, a top run defense tackle, was traded to the Lions for a fifth-round pick. That gives the Lions a line of Harrison, Da’Shawn Hand, A’Shawn Robinson, Ezekiel Ansah (if healthy), and Romeo Okwara.

When you combine their efforts you get 59 tackles, 7.0 sacks, and four forced fumbles. Stats don’t tell the whole story though. While they have a decent amount of sacks and turnovers, they are a big part of what is a bottom five run defense in the NFL. Motown’s defense has given up 836 rushing yards, 139.3 rushing yards per game, and 5.3 yards per attempt.

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Seattle has a defensive line featuring Frank Clark, Jarran Reed, Quinton Jefferson, Dion Jordan, and more. This line has front-line starters and quality depth. However, despite the quality of players along the defensive line they have also struggled in the run game (though I believe this to be more on the linebackers than the defensive line).

Combining the efforts of all the starting players gives you 41 tackles, 10.0 sacks, and three forced fumbles. Reed anchors this defensive line with 22 tackles and 4.0 sacks himself.

The defensive lines for both teams struggle in the run game but have been improving. Ezekiel Ansah is always a hit or miss and we don’t know how much of the playbook Damon Harrison can digest by the game tomorrow. Because of this, I’m going to lean towards the team that rosters Clark and Reed, however, it is very close.

Advantage: Seahawks