On September 30, 2024, the Seattle Seahawks faced off against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, in a Week 4 matchup of the 2024 NFL season, ending with a 42-29 victory for the Lions. This game, aired on ESPN with an attendance of 64,500 and officiated by referee Carl Cheffers, was a high-scoring affair that showcased the offensive prowess of both teams, particularly the Lions’ historic performance. Below is a comprehensive analysis of the player stats, key moments, and strategic insights, drawing on the latest information from reliable sources. Seahawks vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats
đ Game Summary: Seahawks vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats
- đ Sport: American Football
- đ League: NFL (National Football League)
- đ Date: September 30, 2024
- đ Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
- đē Broadcast: ESPN
- đĨ Attendance: 64,500
- đ§ââī¸ Referee: Carl Cheffers
- đšī¸ Final Score: Lions 42, Seahawks 29
Game Context and Background
The Seahawks entered the game with a 3-0 record, riding high on their early-season success, while the Detroit Lions, at 2-1, were eager to prove their mettle against a formidable opponent. The game was a critical test for both teams, with the Seahawks looking to maintain their undefeated streak and the Lions aiming to solidify their status as NFC contenders. The Lions, led by quarterback Jared Goff, had shown flashes of brilliance, while the Seahawks relied on quarterback Geno Smith and running back Kenneth Walker III to drive their offense.
Detailed Player Stats Analysis
The game statistics reveal a tale of two teams: one dominant and the other struggling to find rhythm. Below, I break down the key offensive performers for both teams, based on detailed box scores from different reliable sources.
Seattle Seahawks’ Performance
The Seahawks’ offense was explosive, generating 513 total yards, with 395 passing and 118 rushing. Their passing game was led by Geno Smith, who completed 38 of 56 passes for 395 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception, earning a passer rating of 86.5. Smith also showcased his mobility, rushing for 38 yards on 5 carries. His ability to spread the ball around was evident, as he targeted multiple receivers, but his interception in the second quarter proved costly, giving the Lions excellent field position.
The running game was led by Kenneth Walker III, who rushed for 80 yards on 12 carries with 3 touchdowns, including a long run of 28 yards. Walker also caught 4 passes for 36 yards on 5 targets, averaging 9.0 yards per catch, with a long reception of 13 yards. His performance was a bright spot for the Seahawks, as he consistently found the end zone and provided a spark in the running game. Zach Charbonnet added 15 yards on 2 carries and caught 5 passes for 39 yards on 5 targets, averaging 7.8 yards per catch, with a long reception of 16 yards.
In the receiving game, D.K. Metcalf was the top target, catching 7 passes for 104 yards on 12 targets, averaging 14.9 yards per catch, with a long reception of 29 yards. However, Metcalf fumbled once in the second quarter, which was recovered by the Lions, a critical mistake that shifted momentum. Tyler Lockett contributed with 5 receptions for 61 yards on 9 targets, averaging 12.2 yards per catch, with a long reception of 29 yards. Rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba had 8 catches for 51 yards on 12 targets, averaging 6.4 yards per catch, with a long reception of 11 yards, showing promise but lacking the big plays needed to shift the game’s momentum.
Tight end AJ Barner made his presence felt with 2 receptions for 27 yards on 2 targets, including a 1-yard touchdown, his first in the NFL, averaging 13.5 yards per catch, with a long reception of 18 yards. Noah Fant also contributed with 2 catches for 26 yards on 2 targets, averaging 13.0 yards per catch, with a long of 16 yards. Laviska Shenault Jr. had 1 reception for 18 yards on 1 target, averaging 18.0 yards per catch, while Pharaoh Brown caught 1 pass for 3 yards on 2 targets, averaging 3.0 yards per catch.
Detroit Lions’ Dominance
The Lions’ offense was nothing short of spectacular, led by quarterback Jared Goff, who etched his name in NFL history by completing all 18 of his passes for 292 yards and 2 touchdowns, achieving a perfect passer rating of 155.8. Goff’s precision and decision-making were on full display, as he spread the ball to multiple receivers and avoided any turnovers. His performance was a masterclass in quarterbacking, setting the tone for the Lions’ victory, with key touchdown passes to Amon-Ra St. Brown for 7 yards and Jameson Williams for 70 yards.
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was Goff’s primary target, catching all 6 of his targets for 45 yards and 1 touchdown, averaging 7.5 yards per catch, with a long reception of 17 yards. St. Brown’s reliability in the slot was crucial, as he consistently moved the chains and scored the Lions’ first touchdown. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs was a force on the ground, rushing for 78 yards on 14 carries with 2 touchdowns, averaging 5.6 yards per carry, with a long run of 20 yards. Gibbs’ speed and elusiveness kept the Seahawks’ defense on their toes, while David Montgomery added 40 yards on 12 carries with 1 touchdown, averaging 3.3 yards per carry, and caught 1 pass for 40 yards on 1 target, averaging 40.0 yards per catch, with a long reception of 40 yards.
Wide receiver Jameson Williams made a significant impact with just 2 receptions, turning them into 80 yards and 1 touchdown, averaging an impressive 40.0 yards per catch, with a long reception of 70 yards. His 70-yard touchdown reception from Goff was a game-changer, giving the Lions a commanding lead. Tight end Sam LaPorta also contributed with 2 receptions for 27 yards on 2 targets, averaging 13.5 yards per catch, with a long of 14 yards, while Josh Reynolds caught 1 pass for 13 yards on 1 target, averaging 13.0 yards per catch.
Key Moments and Strategic Insights
The game’s momentum was set early, with the Lions establishing a lead through efficient scoring and defensive stops. Jared Goff’s perfect passing game, completing all 18 passes, was a testament to his precision and the Lions’ offensive scheme, which spread the ball to multiple playmakers. The Seahawks responded with Kenneth Walker III’s three touchdowns, including a 28-yard run in the third quarter, but their defense struggled to contain Goff and the Lions’ passing attack.
A critical turning point was D.K. Metcalf’s fumble in the second quarter, recovered by the Lions, which led to a touchdown drive and extended Detroit’s lead to 21-14. The Lions capitalized on this mistake, with Goff connecting with Jameson Williams for a 70-yard touchdown later in the game, sealing the victory. The Seahawks’ defense, despite generating some pressure, couldn’t stop the Lions’ balanced attack, particularly in the second half, where Detroit outscored Seattle 21-14.
Strategically, the Lions’ ability to protect Goff, who was not sacked, and their efficient passing game overwhelmed the Seahawks’ secondary. The Seahawks, despite Geno Smith’s high yardage total, were undone by turnovers and defensive lapses, particularly in the secondary, where Goff found open receivers with ease. The Lions’ ground game, led by Gibbs and Montgomery, also kept the Seahawks’ defense honest, preventing them from stacking the box against the pass.
Additional Player Stats Tables
To provide a deeper analysis, here are additional stats for both teams, focusing on defensive leaders and special teams contributions:
Seattle Seahawks Defensive Leaders
| Player | Position | Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julian Love | S | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Jerome Baker | LB | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| Devon Witherspoon | CB | 6 | 0 | 0 |
Detroit Lions Defensive Leaders
| Player | Position | Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Anzalone | LB | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Aidan Hutchinson | DE | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Kerby Joseph | S | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Special Teams Contributions
| Player | Team | Field Goals Made (Yards) | Extra Points Made | Punts (Avg. Yards) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Myers | SEA | 46, 33 | 3 | – |
| Michael Badgley | DET | – | 6 | – |
| Michael Dickson | SEA | – | – | 3 (46.0) |
| Jack Fox | DET | – | – | 2 (45.5) |
Implications for Both Teams
For the Detroit Lions, this win was a statement, improving their record to 3-1 and solidifying their position in the NFC North. Jared Goff’s perfect passing game and the team’s balanced attack, led by Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Jameson Williams, showcased their offensive depth. The defense, while not generating many turnovers, held firm, allowing the offense to do the heavy lifting. As they look ahead, maintaining this momentum will be key to their playoff aspirations.
For the Seattle Seahawks, the loss dropped them to 3-1, exposing vulnerabilities in their defense and ball security. Geno Smith’s 395 passing yards and Kenneth Walker III’s three touchdowns were bright spots, but D.K. Metcalf’s fumble and the defense’s inability to stop the Lions’ passing attack highlighted areas for improvement. With a tough schedule ahead, the Seahawks will need to address these issues to remain competitive in the NFC West.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions’ 42-29 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on September 30, 2024, was a showcase of offensive brilliance, highlighted by Jared Goff’s historic perfect passing game and the Lions’ ability to score at will. For the Seahawks, despite Geno Smith’s 395 passing yards and Kenneth Walker III’s three touchdowns, defensive shortcomings and turnovers proved too costly. This game underscored the Lions’ offensive depth and efficiency, while the Seahawks will need to regroup and address their defensive issues to remain competitive in the NFC West.
