Detroit Lions vs. Seahawks: 3 burning questions before Monday Night Football

DETROIT – The Detroit Lions face a tough test heading into the bye week, hosting the flawless Seattle Seahawks for Monday Night Football action from Ford Field. Going into this game, they are completely exhausted with Frank Ragnow out and Marcus Davenport and Derrick Barnes on injured reserve.

Below we answer three burning questions before kickoff:

If Graham moves Glasgow to center, who starts at guard?

Graham Glasgow is expected to slot inside at center while Frank Ragnow is out in Week 4. Ragnow suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle and injured himself in last week's win, and the Lions are protecting the All-Pro center with the bye week after Monday night's game.

The real mystery is who the Lions will use at left guard in Glasgow's place. Kayode Awosika has already started for this team and has more than enough experience in this program. Michael Niese is also a name to keep an eye on as he is on the main roster and provides versatility.

Awosika started three games for the Lions last season and two the year before. Niese has been with the franchise for two years, appearing in one game last season and all three games in 2024.

“That’s a big part of his (Glasgow) value,” Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said. “That's why we wanted him back a few years ago, and when he was a free agent again this offseason, Hank (Fraley) and I really tested (offensive coach). The versatility between playing as an excellent guard and center flex was huge for us. He's a very hard-working and intellectual guy, so he kind of gets in the zone as the week goes on when he gets into center mode and he thinks about the calls, this, that and the other, but I know that on game day For him it will just be like riding a bike because, as you said, he has a lot of starts there. I know Jared (Goff) believes in that, as do I.”

How will the Lions replace the versatile Derick Barnes?

This question is much harder to answer depending on how many positions and how much Derrick Barnes held. Barnes played SAM, linebacker, defensive end and even saw some action in the slot. But the Lions continue to argue about the strength of their linebackers.

Barnes ate a lot of snaps and played very well too. But he's out for an extended period of time after landing on injured reserve and the timeline is uncertain. Alex Anzalone is expected to be back for this game against the Seahawks, but how the Lions replace Barnes is something to keep an eye on.

“Well, someone else has to step in,” Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said. “We have a number of guys in that linebacker room that would love to play that role. And I've said this every week: This is a space that I really respect for the way it works. I really respect the friendship and the closeness that they have in this space, and I really respect the diversity that we have in this space.

“So things change, players change, defense changes sometimes depending on who you have as a player and we have to do everything we can to figure out what guy is going to play that role and what defense is going to be us “Be able to play to get out there and be successful.”

Simply; But can the Lions overcome the slump against the Seahawks?

Detroit's brutal crackdown on the Seahawks extends multiple regimes. The Lions are 1-9 since the turn of the century, with their only series win in the last 24 years coming in 2012. However, these Dan Campbell-led Lions are responsible for three of those defeats in as many years. And in each of those losses under the new regime, Detroit's defense was floored, giving up 51, 45 and 37 points in each game.

However, this game is so much more than just resolving a crisis. The Seahawks are an NFC opponent and one of the last five undefeated teams in the league. These games are important for positioning and seeding down the stretch, and with the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC, there isn't much room for error even this early in the season.

“I wouldn’t say that (it comes to mind). I mean, I'd be lying if I told you I didn't know we lost to them three years in a row,” Campbell said. “I know that. And so, you know, you get tired of it. You get tired of that after one defeat, let alone three.

“But no, I’m not watching that. That's what goes into our heads, or that's just the way it is: you take every game as it comes. It's a new game. New Year. And you have to play good, clean football. You have to play team football in all three phases and do everything you can to win.”

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