Detroit Lions vs Seattle Seahawks Ratings: All A’s for offense

Linebackers

I thought the Lions played really well with their linebackers in the first half and missed tackles in the second half, causing players to lose positions. Jack Campbell made a pass on a Kenneth Walker III run that ended in a 1-yard tackle by Joseph, and Malcolm Rodriguez made a nice open tackle on 3rd-and-11 to DK Metcalf to help force a punt on Seattle’s opening possession, and Campbell forced a punt on Seattle’s opening possession of the ball. Metcalf was fouled as a fourth player later in the first quarter. Campbell and Alex Anzalone each had seven tackles, and Rodriguez went unblocked with his first sack of the season. Anzalone was tackled on Smith’s touchdown pass to AJ Barner when he appeared to be stuck in traffic with Ben Niemann in shallow drag, and Niemann was out of position on Walker’s 21-yard touchdown run. Derrick Barnes’ absence was conspicuous as the Lions shuffled their lineup in an attempt to replace their strong defenseman. Grade: B-minus

Defensive defenders

On Monday, the Lions were assessed 12 penalties for 101 yards, with seven of them coming against cornerbacks Terrion Arnold (one pass, two defensive catches) and Carlton Davis III (three catches, one hold). Davis had a tough matchup with Metcalf and played well for most of the game, despite Metcalf’s seven catches for 104 yards. In the second quarter, he broke up a pass, broke up a two-point attempt by Jake Bobo and had a good carry, but he also returned a 29-yard catch that set up Seattle’s first touchdown after being driven down the line of scrimmage. Arnold wasn’t that effective. He lost his composure after Walker’s run in the third quarter when he tried to cut into a block and was flagged for defensive holding in the end zone. Joseph dropped Smith on the bag, but had an interception to end the game, although the Lions failed to capitalize on the playmaking skills of Brian Branch (illness) at the second safety spot. Grade: B-minus