NFC Wild Card Preview: Detroit vs. Seattle
Here’s a quick preview to get you set for the NFC’s first Wild Card game between the Detroit Lions and the Seattle Seahawks.
Detroit Lions (9–7)
Detroit is making its first playoff appearance since 2014, and the second time under head coach Jim Caldwell. The Lions narrowly advanced to the playoffs after losing three-straight (all to playoff teams) to finish the regular season. Prior to their late season stumble, Detroit won eight out of nine games, with each of those wins coming in the fourth quarter. Matthew Stafford’s last second heroics highlighted a season that was nearly written off in Week 5. Now the Lions are tasked to travel to the Emerald City to play the Seattle Seahawks, whom they’ve never beaten at CenturyLink Field. Detroit is also searching for its first playoff win since 1991.
Keys to the Game:
Matthew Stafford’s Deep Ball: With the Lions averaging the third-fewest rushing yards this season (81.9 YPG), they will go as far as Matthew Stafford takes them. Unfortunately, Stafford has not been the same QB since injuring a finger on his throwing hand three weeks ago. In those three losses, Stafford threw two touchdown passes to three interceptions, with his average pass going for just over seven yards. The 28-year old signal caller has tested different gloves during that stretch, but is still struggling when trying to drive the ball down field. Stafford and the Detroit passing game will luckily not have to face All-Pro safety Earl Thomas, whose presence has been missed dearly in Seattle in the last couple of weeks. It’s no secret that Stafford is the engine that keeps the Lions running. They will need him to be sharp against one of the best defenses in the league.
Take Advantage of a Poor Seattle O-Line: One of the biggest keys on defense for the Lions will be the battle at the line of scrimmage. Detroit struggled to generate any pressure against opposing QB’s this season, ranking 30th in the league with 26 sacks. But they face a Seattle offensive line that gave up 42, the most among any team in the playoffs. Despite being hampered by injuries for most of the season, defensive end Ezekiel Ansah is poised for a big game. First-year man Kerry Hyder has been a pleasant surprise for the Lions, leading the team in sacks (8), and also posted 36 tackles. If Detroit wants to keep Russell Wilson and the Seahawk offense at bay, they’ll need to take advantage of a patchwork offensive line that has struggled all season.
Players to Watch: Darius Slay (CB) & Matt Prater (K)
Now in his fourth year in the league, Darius Slay has become one of the better cover corner’s in the game. Although Slay was limited this season due to injury, his presence will be important for the Lions to have any chance. According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, the Lions have allowed 24 TD’s to 9 INT’s with Slay in the game, and nine touchdowns to one interception without him. Slay will be tasked to cover Russell Wilson’s favorite target Doug Baldwin, who caught 94 passes for 1,128 yards to lead Seattle.
Special teams will be an important factor tonight, and the Lions should be feeling very good about their kicking unit. Sam Martin has been a solid punter for Detroit, while veteran Matt Prater has found great success in his new home. The 32-year old is 31-for-36 this season, including 7-for-7 on 50+ yard field goals. Extra points are not a given anymore, and Prater has been almost automatic, hitting 31-for-33 on PAT’s.
Seattle Seahawks (10–5–1)
Seattle is making its fifth-straight playoff appearance, and is looking to ride an eight-game postseason home winning streak entering tonight’s Wild Card game. In a season filled with its fair share of highs and lows, the NFC West champions continue to boast one of the top defense’s in the league. Seattle gave up the third-fewest points (18.2 PPG), and will rely on their defense that’s without Earl Thomas to set the tone.
Keys to the Game:
Russell Wilson’s Mobility: Russell Wilson is having a terrific season despite dealing with multiple injuries, an obsolete running game and a less than stellar offensive line. Wilson threw for a career-high 4,219 yards with 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. However, Wilson attempted the fewest amount of rushes in his career (74) and only reached the end zone once. Wilson has performed well under duress this season, owning an 85.8 QB rating when under pressure (4th in NFL). Going up against a Detroit defense that allows 106.3 yards on the ground, Wilson’s ability to tuck-and-run could be an x-factor tonight.
Secondary Has to be Poised: Seattle’s secondary is clearly not the same without safety Earl Thomas. In two games according to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, Seattle gave up a 99.5 QB rating to the likes of Cleveland and the New York Jets. The Seahawks still have the veteran presence of both Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman the defensive backfield. They will need to be poised, especially on third downs against gunslinger Matthew Stafford who has picked on several teams in late-game situations.
Players to Watch: George Fant (OT) & Bobby Wagner (LB)
George Fant has been a good story for the Seahawks. An undrafted rookie free agent out of Western Kentucky, Fant played basketball for the Hilltoppers before trying out at the school’s pro day an eventually getting a contract from Seattle. At times Fant has been overwhelmed at the left tackle position, and will have a tough battle tonight against defensive end Ezekiel Ansah.
Bobby Wagner has been the rock for Seattle’s defense since his rookie season. Wagner led the NFL in tackles with 167, and is coming off a 12 tackle, two sack performance against San Francisco. The former Utah State standout has been stellar in the playoffs, recording 57 tackles in 10 games. Wagner calls the plays on defense for the Seahawks, and will also play a critical role as captain with the defense still transitioning without Thomas.
