Detroit Lions know stiff test awaits with Seattle’s feisty defensive backs

ALLEN PARK - Mike Macdonald's defense for the Seattle Seahawks is clicking through two games, and much of that early success is through the power of their feisty, blossoming defensive backfield.

The Detroit Lions have faced this team three times in as many years, losing each of those chances. While the coaching staff and some faces have changed, they know the tough challenge against against this strong defense powered by a young, dangerous secondary. Seattle's defense is the top-ranked unit against the pass, allowing a paltry 3.5 net yards per attempt. Sure, they have faced the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins (without Tua), but top-level results are top-level results.

Cornerbacks Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon lead that charge, while safeties Julian Love and Rayshawn Jenkins have looked tailor-made for the team's Baltimore-style defense.

"(Seahawks) linebackers are super fast and then the secondary, they really don't have a weak link in terms of coverage guys," Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said. "(Woolen) 27 is sticky, (Witherspoon) 21′s one of the best young corners in the league I believe, and then the safeties are good and aggressive. They like to fit in on the run and they're good coverage players too.

"So, he's got great pieces at his disposal and that scheme that coach Macdonald runs, it's proven that it's really good. He's been top 10 the last three years now since he's been coordinating in not only overall defense, but ever major category."

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On the slip side, everyone knows the potential power of Detroit's passing attack. And while it hasn't click at consistent levels expected around these parts, there have still been flashes of an evolving attack. Jameson Williams had two big games to open the year, with Amon-Ra St. Brown getting back to his normal high-volume production for two weeks running. Sam LaPorta worked through a camp injury, then hurt his ankle last week, so it's been slow there.

Still, the Lions are far-and-away the top passing team the Seahawks have faced this season, so the stiff challenge ahead goes both ways.

The Lions rank in the middle of the league with 6.4 net yards per passing attempts. Jared Goff is hitting 66% of his pass attempts through three starts, with 723 yards and three touchdowns to four interceptions. Protecting the ball is always a top priority, but against this defense? It's paramount to Detroit's success on Monday Night Football.

"A lot of two safety, get you in third down and they're outstanding - third and fourth down, I mean they're tops in the league," Lions head coach Dan Campbell said. "Redzone defense, obviously passing defense, they can create pressure up front, so they're an issue. (Woolen) 27 out there, (Witherspoon) 21, Witherspoon at the nickel, also plays outside. 99 (defensive end Leonard) Williams, (Seahawks FS Julian) Love, the safety, (Seahawks SS Rayshawn) Jenkins comes down. Anyway, they're a good unit."

Pro Football Focus ranks Woolen as the NFL's fifth-best cornerback through three games. Witherspoon isn't far away ranked at 27th, with the fourth-best reviews for cornerbacks against the rush. Love ranks second and Jenkins 11th among all safeties through three weeks, too, so this group has taken full advantage of a ho-hum quarterback slate to date.

"They're good DBs," Lions star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown said. "Tariq is tall and can run, lengthy. Witherspoon, feisty. Can cover, sticky. Julian Love - I think he's really good, too, at safety. They got a lot of guys. I think their secondary is probably the best secondary that we've seen all year. So, it's going to be a challenge for us. We got to try to create separation, get open for Jared. I think it's going to be fun."

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