Here’s a breakdown of what the Seattle Seahawks are discussing ahead of their upcoming Monday Night Football game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field:
1. Seattle wide receiver DK Metcalf is excited to play in the intense environment at Ford Field on Monday night. He mentioned that these games “separate the men from the boys.” He considers Ford Field one of the top three loudest stadiums in the NFL, ranking it just behind Philadelphia and San Francisco in terms of hostility.
2. Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins emphasized the importance of stopping the Lions’ fourth-ranked rushing attack on Monday night.
Jenkins said, “Everything starts with their running game. When their backs get going, everything else falls into place. If they establish the run early, it’s tough for any defense.”
He explained that Detroit’s offense becomes more dynamic when the run game is effective, making it difficult to defend against their receivers and tight ends.
3. Metcalf commented on how hard Detroit plays on both sides of the ball.
“Everyone is running to the ball,” he said. “Their offense plays hard, and they always try to get the ball to their playmakers. They’re talented on both sides of the ball.”
4. Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald praised the Lions as a tough and well-coached team with diverse schemes. He noted the team’s hard-nosed style, particularly on special teams, across all three phases of play.
5. Macdonald observed a shift in the Lions’ defense this year, noting an increase in man coverage. He called it “tough simplicity” and specifically mentioned the challenge of dealing with Lions’ edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
6. Jenkins also spoke about Detroit’s running back duo, David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. He highlighted the difference in styles, saying Montgomery is more physical and breaks tackles, while Gibbs relies on speed and requires defenders to focus on angles and outside containment.
7. When discussing Detroit’s cornerback group, Metcalf highlighted their aggressiveness. He praised rookie Terrion Arnold and noted that he has faced Carlton Davis III since college. Metcalf also singled out second-year safety Brian Branch, calling him Detroit’s best defensive back.
“He can do it all,” Metcalf said. “He can run, hit, and cover.”
8. Macdonald noted the creative play-calling of Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, especially in critical fourth-down situations. He pointed to a lateral touchdown from Amon-Ra St. Brown to Gibbs last week as an example of what to expect.
9. Macdonald, who was the defensive coordinator for Baltimore last season before becoming Seattle’s head coach, said they’ve reviewed Seattle’s 37-31 win over Detroit in Week 2 of last season and Baltimore’s dominant Week 7 victory over the Lions, in which the Ravens held them to six points.
