Seahawks hope to solve red zone struggles vs. Lions
Oct 26, 2012, 2:56 PM | Updated: 2:58 pm
By Bill Swartz
San Francisco native Pete Carroll was in a cheerful mood as his Seahawks wrapped up practice Friday. Carroll is a huge Giants fan, and he’s pleased they lead the Tigers 2-0 in the World Series.
It just so happens the Seahawks will be in Detroit to play the Lions on the same day they contest Game 4 of the Fall Classic.
Carroll said Seattle’s offense focused this week on trying to find ways to score touchdowns instead of settling for field goals in the red zone.
“It’s been an issue for us because we’re not getting touchdowns like we want to,” he said. “We’re having trouble getting past the 20-yard line. We spent a great deal of time on it again this week, including drills with ones versus ones.”
Unfortunately for Seattle, the Lions boast the No. 1 red zone defense in the NFL.
On the injury front, the Seahawks have one key defensive player listed as doubtful. That would be lineman Jason Jones, who missed the entire week of practice with a high ankle sprain. Carroll is hopeful Jones might be ready for Sunday but said rookie Greg Scruggs is prepared to play that pass-rushing position.
Receiver Doug Baldwin (high ankle sprain) and cornerback Byron Maxwell (hamstring) have been ruled out. Guard John Moffitt is listed as questionable as he recovers from a knee injury. Carroll said Moffitt is not ready to start the game yet.
Carroll said cornerback Walter Thurmond had a good week of practice but would not say whether the team will activate him off the physically unable to perform list.
The Lions have two members of their defense out for this game. Both cornerback Jacob Lacey and safety Amari Spievey are dealing with concussions. Linebacker DeAndre Levy is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury.
Detroit also lost veteran receiver and former Seahawk Nate Burleson with a season-ending broken leg.
