3. Stick to Jimmy Graham
Jimmy Graham is one of the league’s best playmakers at tight end. His receiving skills were prolific enough in New Orleans to prompt a contract dispute over his determined position. He hasn’t lost that playmaking ability and in his second season with Seattle, he’s found his place in the Seahawks offense. That alone is enough reason to be wary. It’s worse because Detroit hasn’t shown an ability to cover any tight end. All season, tight ends have consistently run rampant on the Lions defense regardless of ability. Detroit hasn’t been able to cover average tight ends or defend the middle of the field which presents a major problem against Seattle. If they’re going to get off the field on third down and protect the end zone, the Lions MUST mix up their coverages and account for Graham on every play. There are multiple ways to get the job done but leaving a poor linebacker one on one with him will put the Lions in a hole quickly. Use Darius Slay. Put an extra safety on him. Use bracket coverages. COVER JIMMY GRAHAM. If Detroit can shut off Russell Wilson’s safety valve, it’ll make life difficult for a Seattle offense that hasn’t exactly been prolific this season.
