Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner Preparing for Run-Heavy Lions Game Plan
The Seattle Seahawks (0-1) have been preparing all week long to face the Detroit Lions (1-0) in their first road game of the year.
The Lions pulled out a big win on the road to begin their season against the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, where they ran the ball 34 times for 118 yards.
Seahawks veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner is expecting a similar game plan for when they come to Ford Field on Sunday.
“They do a really good job of complementing the run game with their passing game," Wagner said. "I think the run game is really special. I wouldn’t be surprised if they tried to run it 30 or 40 times. I think (Jared) Goff has done a really good job with his play-action and getting the ball to his targets. Last game they did a really good job of establishing the run, getting the ball into his playmaker’s hands. It was a gutty win.”
The Seahawks will need to do a better job of shoring up the defensive front seven if they want to beat the Lions. Last week against the Los Angeles Rams, the Seahawks surrendered 92 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
Luckily for Seattle, Wagner believes he has the solution for figuring things out on the defensive side of the ball.
“I think it’s getting rid of the leaky yardage," Wagner said. "Sometimes they were catching the ball and falling forward, so getting rid of that. They did a good job of pushing our coverage, which ultimately led to more throws over the middle. I think we get tighter, make our tackles, get some pressure and we’ll be fine.”
Wagner and the Seahawks kick off against the Lions at 10 a.m. on Sunday at Ford Field in Detroit.