The Seattle Seahawks head back on the road for Week 4 to the Motor City to face the Detroit Lions. Here are five things to know about the Lions as both teams look to climb back to .500.
The Rise of Jeff Okudah
Third-year Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah was selected with the No.3 selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. After nagging injuries held Okudah to 10 games played across his first two seasons, the former Ohio State All-American is showing the potential this season.
In his first three games, Okudah has allowed just nine receptions for 74 yards and no touchdowns surrendered. Now Okudah will try his hand at guarding Seahawks wideout DK Metcalf.
Aidan Hutchinson: Hometown Hero
Detroit Lions rookie edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is the talk of the state, after starring for the University of Michigan. The 2022 No. 2 overall selection leads all rookie defenders in sacks (3.0). In Week 2, Hutchinson recorded all three sacks in the first half in Detroit's 36-27 win over the Washington Commanders. Hutchinson’s production dropped in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings, limited by a thigh injury. While Hutchinson is intent on not missing any games, it'll be worth watching how much he plays Sunday.
Penei For Your Thoughts
With the No.7 overall pick in the 2021 draft, the Lions selected Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell to bolster the line. Sewell’s been an anchor for Detroit, developing quickly enough for Pro Football Focus to name Sewell the league's current top right tackle.
NFL Insider Brian Baldinger broke down the exceptional play of Sewell against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2:
Seahawks edge rushers Uchenna Nwosu, Darrell Taylor, Boye Mafe and Darryl Johnson will look to create pressure in the Detroit backfield against the promising Sewell.
Jamaal Williams: The Motor in Motor City
Running back Jamaal Williams is entering his sixth season in the league and second in Motown. The former BYU Cougar was selected in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. Williams was a solid complementary back for the Packers in his first four seasons, averaging over 400 rushing and 200 receiving yards annually. In his first year with the Lions in 2021, Williams rushed for a career-high 601 yards along with three touchdowns. But Williams has garnered just as many fans with his personality as with his tough running style.
Whether entertaining beat reporters in interviews or fans with his dazzling runs and personality - the last thing the Seahawks want is to get Williams going.
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Caged Lions: Amon-Ra St. Brown & Deandre Swift Out for Detroit
The Lions will be without two key players for their offense due to injury, per head coach Dan Campbell. As Detroit prepares for the Seahawks, Campbell announced the loss of wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown and running back D'andre Swift in his Friday presser.
"(Amon-Ra St. Brown) I would say he's out," said Campbell. "… (D'andre Swift) He's not looking good either. I'd say he's probably out as well."
Both players are dealing with ankle injuries, and Swift also has a shoulder injury. St. Brown was selected in round four of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he isn't too happy about it. The former USC Trojan recorded 90 receptions, 912 yards and 5 touchdowns in his rookie campaign. St. Brown is currently tied for second in receiving touchdowns (3) and sixth in receptions (23) through three weeks.
But it's looking like the Seahawks won't have to face the 'Sun God' Sunday.
Detroit selected Swift in round two of the 2020 NFL Draft, with the former Georgia Bulldog rushing for 14 touchdowns over the last two seasons. Detroit will miss Swift, who is currently averaging over 8 yards per carry on 27 attempts for 231 yards and a touchdown, but the Lions know they can count on Williams to carry the load.
