3 reasons the Seahawks will beat the Lions in week eight
By Lee Vowell
K.J. Wright is coming back!
The Seahawks get back Pro Bowl linebacker Wright on Sunday. He may be on limited snaps, but he and Bobby Wagner form the best duo of linebackers in the league. Seattle has done OK in Wright’s absence with Austin Calitro, Mychal Kendricks and others.
But have no doubt that Wright is much better than any of the players filling in for him. And Seattle is much better having Wright on the field.
Wright historically has been asked to do a lot of things but covering the opposing tight end has been one of them. The Lions in 2018 have not really done much with throwing to tight end. (Although, as a Seahawks fan and a guy who personally liked Luke Willson when he was in Seattle, I should admit I wish Willson well.) If Detroit isn’t going to throw to the tight end, this should free up Wright to do a lot more.
Wright’s mere presence on the field is going to inspire confidence. Second-year Seahawks like Shaquill Griffin and Tedric Thompson – starters for the rest of 2018, most likely – know what Wright can do. Having him play might simply allow some Seattle players to relax and focus on their position.
Next. 5 questions about the Lions. dark
Bottom line
The Seahawks can win on Sunday. If they run the ball well and force the Lions to win late down 10 points or more in the fourth quarter, 12s should feel confident about 12:45 pm PT on Sunday. Nervous, but relaxed. Because nearly every Seattle game comes down to the last couple of drives. Seattle wins most of their games. But the way they win doesn’t help the blood pressure of 12s.