The Detroit Lions got a monkey off their back on Monday night, beating the Seattle Seahawks for the first time since 2012. There are definitely a lot of positives to take away from the team’s statement win, among other things.
Let’s break down a few.
Stock up: QB Jared Goff
Jared Goff has recently faced some criticism for what some considered to be a disappointing first three weeks.
On Monday night, he responded. Against Seattle, Goff set an NFL record by completing all 18 of his passes — zero incompletions — during a game in which his offense scored a whopping 42 points. He threw two touchdowns, caught another (!!!), and racked up 292 passing yards. It was arguably the best game Goff has ever played as a Lion. He looked calm and collected throughout the entire game with no real lapses in judgment and no panic throws; just a cool head and continual smart decisions in the face of pressure.
Monday’s performance was something special, and it should serve as a reminder that it’s prudent to trust a quarterback who has as much good tape out there as Goff does, even through rough spots. He’s the guy.
Jared Goff TD catches: 1
Jared Goff incompletions: 0 pic.twitter.com/4xyguEfQCG— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 1, 2024
Stock up: WR Tim Patrick
Seeing Patrick play like he did on Monday was a very pleasant surprise. The Lions brought in the 6-foot-4 wideout as a 1-for-1 Josh Reynolds replacement, and the former Bronco truly stepped into the role against Seattle. Patrick caught two passes for 52 yards, which is definitely the kind of performance a team wants from their WR3.
Detroit was looking for a big-bodied X receiver, the type whose playing style complements those of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Patrick can be that guy. The Broncos released him for a reason: he’s 30 years old and has dealt with a lot of injuries.
However, if he can keep this up, he’ll help this Lions’ offense do big things. He’s a perfect fit.
TIM PATRICK COMING INTO HIS OWN #ONEPRIDE pic.twitter.com/45mOEHVOsT
— ًًً (@GibbsWrld) October 1, 2024
Stock down: OLB James Houston
After racking up eight sacks through seven games of an electrifying rookie season, hopes were high for James Houston. Two years later, though, the former sixth-round pick is in real danger of being released.
Since his magical 2022 campaign ended, Houston hasn’t been able to put much of anything together. He’s missed significant time with injuries, and when he has played, he hasn’t been effective. Monday’s game was just the latest example. The Jackson State product was given the opportunity to step up against Seattle with Marcus Davenport out, but it went poorly. In only fourteen snaps, Houston committed three penalties and earned a disastrous 29.5 PFF grade. This comes after playing a mere three snaps against Tampa Bay and being a healthy scratch in Detroit’s other two contests. It’s evident that the team has lost faith in him.
If the veteran defender can’t put things together soon, it’ll be hard for Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes to justify keeping him on the roster. Houston was a fun story, but it’s not looking good for him.
James Houston is lowest-graded #Lions defender, per PFF.
Houston reentered the lineup with Marcus Davenport’s injury but has been unable to return to 2022 form.
He had one pressure with two offsides penalties.
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) October 1, 2024
Stock up: LB Jack Campbell
Former first-round linebacker Jack Campbell’s rookie season was up and down, but it appears that the Iowa product has found his sea legs. Campbell put together an impressive performance against Seattle, a highlight of which was a forced fumble on Seahawks wideout DK Metcalf — one that was returned 49 yards to set up Detroit in the red zone. It was a game-changing play, but it didn’t end there.
What might have been even more encouraging was Campbell’s performance in coverage. He earned an 80.7 coverage grade from PFF — the best on the team. Fans were justifiably concerned with how the 6-foot-5 middle linebacker would fare in coverage, but if Monday’s game is any indication, he’s going to be just fine.
In Year 2, he’s starting to put it all together. The Lions drafted Campbell to be an anchor in the middle of their defense. He’s looking more ready by the week.
He got JACK’d up.
It would be a real shame if Jack Campbell developed a Danny Bateman like knack for getting the football back.
One of most promising games of his young career. We’ll give Alex Anzalone the ‘ol hockey assist for helping to tee up DK Metcalf for the fumble. pic.twitter.com/VUf63M6vkB
— Al Karsten (@FootballGuy_Al) October 2, 2024
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