Lions: Notebook

Defense regresses, even on third down

John Niyo / The Detroit News

Seattle -- Where there was smoke, there was fire. And when it was over, the Lions' defense had been torched again Sunday in a 32-20 loss to the Seahawks.

After forcing two quick turnovers -- and coming up with a crucial fourth-down stop -- to help stake the Lions to a 17-0 early lead, the NFL's second-worst pass defense lived up to its reputation against the Seahawks' pass-happy West Coast offense.

Matt Hasselbeck set a career high with 39 completions in 51 attempts, passing for 329 yards, including 300 in the final three quarters. Most of that yardage came on a variety of check-down passes and quick screens, as the Seahawks effectively countered the Lions' aggressive scheme. Seattle's fast-paced tempo -- not a no-huddle offense, but close -- also caused problems.

"They did a good job of mixing in their personnel and bringing 'em in kind of late," Lions linebacker Julian Peterson said. "And we were kind of scrambling around. We've got to do a better job of getting off the field."

The Lions had done that, for the most part, ranking second in the NFL in third-down defense since a poor outing in the season opener against the Saints. But the Seahawks were 7-of-15 on third-down conversions.

"Third-down defense had been something that had been going good for us, but we took a little step back today," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "We tried to blitz. We had a hard time getting that done. And we tried coverage, but we can't allow 50-percent conversions on third down."

Extra points

Lions receiver Calvin Johnson was back after missing two games because of a right knee injury. He was targeted nine times by Matthew Stafford , but only caught two passes for 27 yards.

"He's not 100 percent, but I thought he was able to go out and be effective," Schwartz said. "He was able to get open. He had a couple chances to be able make plays down the field. He's still not 100 percent, but he's getting there."

... Two other starters missed the game, but for different reasons. Fullback Jerome Felton sat out because of a lingering ankle injury, while defensive tackle Grady Jackson was a coach's decision. Terrelle Smith took Felton's spot in the backfield, while Landon Cohen started in place of Jackson.

"Grady's job is a run-stuffer, and the running game that they give us is draws and stretch plays," Schwartz said. "That's sideways chasing, and that's not his forte. We're happy with what Grady's been doing for us."

... Ernie Sims started again at weakside linebacker, but he left the game in the third quarter after suffering a hamstring injury, chasing down Julius Jones on a 49-yard reception. Safety Louis Delmas also left late in the game because of a leg injury. Both players will be evaluated today.

... Defensive tackle Joe Cohen , signed from the practice squad Saturday when the Lions released receiver John Standeford , also was used in the rotation at defensive tackle, as was defensive end Dewayne White .

Jason Hunter was back as starting left defensive end after two games out because of an ankle injury. Manny Ramirez returned to his starting role at left guard after being inactive last week.

The Lions other inactive players were offensive linemen Jon Jansen -- last week's starter at left guard -- and Daniel Loper , linebacker Vinny Ciurciu , safety Marvin White and cornerback Jason David .