DETROIT – The Seahawks came into Monday night’s game with a lot going against them, most notably the absence of five of their best defensive players. Still, the Seahawks, led by Geno Smith and an offense that totaled 516 yards, showed plenty of fight until the end. Ultimately, however, Seattle’s short defense couldn’t get the stops they needed, and the Lions were able to hold on for a 42–29 victory, dropping Seattle’s record to 3–1.

Here are six quick reactions to Monday night’s loss at Ford Field:

1. The Lions were able to move the ball on the ground and through the air against Seattle’s short defense.

The Seahawks defense has already been excellent this season under Mike Macdonald, but they came into Monday night’s game missing some very important players. Outside linebackers Uchenna Nwosu and Boye Mafe were both out with knee injuries, while defensive linemen Leonard Williams (ribs) and Byron Murphy II (hamstring) were both out with injuries suffered in last week’s win. And if all the injuries the Seahawks suffered in the game weren’t enough, they also lost Julian Love to a thigh injury, playing the entire second half without their Pro-Bowl safety.

And while coaches and players don’t want to use injuries as an excuse, there is a lot of talent that must be missing in an offense as potent as Detroit’s. With one of the more balanced attacks in the league, the Lions were able to get the running game going early, with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery combining for 88 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries in the first half.

The Lions were also dangerous through the air, especially in the second half, getting big plays, including a 40-yard tackle-breaking catch and run by Montgomery, and a 70-yard touchdown reception by Jameson Williams on a crosser that made a was a perfect counter. to a Seahawks blitz. Lions quarterback Jared Goff finished his day going a perfect 18 for 18 for 292 yards and two touchdowns, and also caught a touchdown pass from Amon-Ra St. Brown on a trick play.

2. Geno Smith was great again in Detroit, but this time it wasn’t enough for a win.

The Seahawks won a pair of shootouts in Detroit in 2022 and 2023, and in both games Geno Smith was fantastic, passing for a total of 648 yards and four touchdowns without turning the ball over in those wins, and also adding a touchdown run in the first game.

In his third trip to Detroit in as many years, Smith was outstanding again, but this time it wasn’t enough for the Seahawks to overcome a big day from Detroit’s offense and a costly first-half fumble by DK Metcalf.

Smith was sharp all game, completing 38 of 56 passes for a career-high 395 yards, including a touchdown pass to AJ Barner, the first career score for the rookie tight end from Michigan. Smith was intercepted late in the game while trying to make something happen while trailing by two scores, but otherwise went nearly flawless. Smith also had to use his legs quite a bit in the pocket to buy time against a dangerous Lions pass rush, making several impressive throws along the way after avoiding the initial pressure, rushing for another 38 yards.