The game has some interesting story lines besides just being in Detroit. Former Seahawk (1997-2000) Jon Kitna will start at quarterback for Detroit. His knowledge of the Seahawks offense could potentially help out the Lions defense. Mike Martz also spent 4 years as the head coach of the NFC West rival St. Louis Rams, so he has plenty of experience preparing for the Seahawks. Martz coached the Rams to a 31-37 loss last year in his final game as the Rams head coach before sitting out the rest of the season with heart trouble. Martz and the Rams were 3-0 against Seattle in 2004, and his overall record against the Seahawks is 6-3. This is really a double-edged sword because the Seahawks will be prepared for Mike Martz' offense and know what to do to bother Kitna.
When the Lions have the ball, Kevin Jones and Roy Williams will be the key players. Kevin Jones could have a surprisingly big game if Rod Marinelli influences Martz to run the ball. Leroy Hill probably will not play, so Jones could eat up a lot of yardage. He is completely healthy and has a healthy Cory Schlesinger blocking for him. The biggest problem for the Lions offense is the right side of their offensive line, so the absence of Hill should not be felt that much. If Marcus Trufant can shut down Roy Williams (who has a slight groin injury), then Kitna could look for Corey Bradford to beat Kelly Herndon deep.
When the Seahawks have the ball, we should see a lot of Shaun Alexander. Shaun Rogers is a very good player and will line up opposite Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack. Alexander could have trouble running left, especially if rookie LB Ernie Sims does a good job on the weakside. If Alexander can get past Rogers and Sims makes a mistake, we could see some very big plays from the reigning NFL MVP. At the other tackle position, Shaun Cody is a banged up, so Alexander will probably have more room to run to the right.
The Lions are also starting Terrence Holt at free safety, instead of rookie Daniel Bullocks. Holt is nothing special, but it looks like the rookie is not ready. That should be good news for Matt Hasselbeck, especially against a weak pass rush. Darrell Jackson appears to be ready to go, but CB Dre' Bly should be able to shut him down.
That probably means a huge game for Nate Burleson going against CB Fernando Bryant. Last time Burleson went up against Bryant, he had 5 catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. In six career games against the Lions, Burleson has 18 catches for 279 yards and 4 touchdowns. However, the majority of that production came in his last 3 healthy starts against over the past 2 years when he amassed 12 catches for 202 yards and 4 touchdowns. Look for Hasselbeck to hook up with Burleson for at least one touchdown, but he will also force him the ball and might throw a bad interception.
Prediction:
Seahawks 27, Lions 17
Detroit Lions Preview
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