SEATTLE -- There are a number of reasons the Detroit Lions fell to the Seahawks 51-29 Sunday. Poor run defense, an inability to gain any traction in their own run game and turnovers to name a few.
Detroit also got on the wrong side of momentum early in the contest, and head coach Dan Campbell thought that played a factor too. After forcing a three and out by Seattle's offense to begin the game, Detroit was driving down the field on their first possession and got down to the Seattle 29-yard line where they were faced with a 4th and 1. It was certainly no surprise Campbell opted to go for it, that's been his aggressive nature all year, but when running back Jamaal Williams was stuffed about a half yard short of the first-down marker, Campbell thought it was a big early momentum-shifting play.
"I felt it knocked the wind out of us when we didn't get the fourth-and-inches, or half a yard, whatever you want to call it," he said. "Because we got the three-and-out and we drove the ball and we didn't respond after that."
The stop gave all the momentum back to Seattle and they ran with it, literally. They answered with a touchdown and scored on their next nine possessions.
"He might be right when he says it took the wind out of our sails, but I think in that moment it might have because we had a great drive going," Lions quarterback Tim Boyle said. "We got all the way down, I don't know what the yard line was, but we ran the ball well, we passed the ball well and we got down there. When you get stuffed on fourth down, it always hurts."
View photos from Detroit Lions vs. Seattle Seahawks Week 17 game at Lumen Field on Sunday, Jan. 2 in Seattle, WA.
Detroit Lions cornerback Saivion Smith (19), Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55), Detroit Lions cornerback Bobby Price (27), and Detroit Lions safety Brady Breeze (15) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) before a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu (26) before a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) before a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Trinity Benson (17) before a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions safety Will Harris (25) before a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) before a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Anthony Lynn during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions tight end Ross Travis (48) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) before a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) before a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions running back Godwin Igwebuike (35) before a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) before a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions defensive end Levi Onwuzurike (75) before a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) before a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) before a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions running back Godwin Igwebuike (35) before a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) before a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) before a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) and Detroit Lions long snapper Scott Daly (47) before a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore (38) and Detroit Lions running back Godwin Igwebuike (35) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions running back Godwin Igwebuike (35) and Detroit Lions tight end Ross Travis (48) celebrate after a kick return during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions defensive end Nick Williams (97) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions cornerback Bobby Price (27) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions guard Tommy Kraemer (78), Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12), and Detroit Lions center Evan Brown (63) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions cornerback AJ Parker (41) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (18) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions defensive end Nick Williams (97) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions guard Parker Ehinger (65), Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), and Detroit Lions guard Tommy Kraemer (78) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (57) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions tight end Ross Travis (48), Detroit Lions wide receiver Trinity Benson (17), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), and Detroit Lions wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (18) celebrate after a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) scores a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (18), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Trinity Benson (17) celebrate after a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44), Detroit Lions cornerback Bobby Price (27), Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore (38), and Detroit Lions safety Dean Marlowe (31) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) and Detroit Lions center Evan Brown (63) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions cornerback Mark Gilbert (40) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions safety Tracy Walker (21) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30), and Detroit Lions guard Parker Ehinger (65) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12), Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68), and Detroit Lions guard Jonah Jackson (73), during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) and Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu (26) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Trinity Benson (17) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions running back Godwin Igwebuike (35) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions outside linebacker Austin Bryant (2) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions outside linebacker Austin Bryant (2) celebrates after a sack during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions safety Dean Marlowe (31) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions outside linebacker Julian Okwara (99) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) scores a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) scores a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85), Detroit Lions tight end Jared Pinkney (80), Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68), and Detroit Lions center Evan Brown (63) celebrate after a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Detroit Lions center Evan Brown (63) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85), Detroit Lions guard Tommy Kraemer (78), Detroit Lions center Evan Brown (63), Detroit Lions guard Jonah Jackson (73), and Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions linebacker Tavante Beckett (59), Detroit Lions running back Godwin Igwebuike (35), and Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) celebrate after recovering an on-side kick during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Trinity Benson (17) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions defense during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) celebrates after a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
Detroit Lions wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (18) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2, 2022 in Seattle, WA. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).
BOYLE PERFORMANCE
It was an interception last week in the final minute by Boyle at the Atlanta 1-yard line that stopped a Lions comeback bid.
The situation was a little different this week with the Lions down multiple scores in the fourth quarter, which forced Boyle to try and bring them back almost exclusively throwing the ball, which is a tough task for any quarterback. Unfortunately it was still turnovers that defined Boyle's finish for a second week in a row.
Boyle completed 22 of his 37 pass attempts for 262 yards with two touchdowns, but three second-half interceptions, two in the fourth quarter, were on his mind the most after the game.
"It's accuracy, it's decision making, it's timing. All three of them are on me," he said after the game. "That's something that I have to assess with myself. Our turnovers, I can't keep doing that to the team. Ultimately, a quarterback touches the ball every down and I have to be smart with the football.
"It hurts. Three interceptions, you can't do that. You're never going to have an opportunity when you turn the ball over three times in a game."
CLINCHING TOP 2 PICK
Detroit's loss Sunday has clinched them at least the No. 2 overall pick in April's NFL Draft in Las Vegas.
Jacksonville (2-14) currently holds the top pick and will keep it if they lose to Indianapolis next week. The Lions (2-13-1) host the Green Bay Packers (13-3), who have already clinched the top seed in the NFC playoffs.
No other team has fewer than four wins.
HODGE STEPS UP
With the Lions missing receivers Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond due to COVID-19, they were going to need someone other than rookie Amon-Ra. St. Brown to step up.
It was good to see KhaDarel Hodge be that guy for the Lions in Seattle. Hodge caught five passes for 76 yards (15.2 average), including a beautiful, diving 42-yard reception to the Seattle 1-yard line that set up a late Lions touchdown.
"It was really important because I hadn't gotten many opportunities the last couple of weeks. I knew I had to go in and prove myself once again," Hodge said. "Just make plays just to get the coaches attention, the league's. I didn't perform as well as I needed to early in the season, but I knew I had to come out and make some plays, which I know I could do."
