To the victor go the spoils, and the Seattle Seahawks took that adage to the limit in the Ford Field visiting locker room on Sunday afternoon.
Prior to Sunday's contest, Lions safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson called on the sold out crowd to wear blue ski masks to the game, in an effort to create an even more intimidating atmosphere than the notoriously loud indoor stadium typically provides.
Well, after the Seahawks survived in overtime, winning 37-31 on a Geno Smith touchdown to Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks didn't waste any time rubbing the Lions' nose in it.
Immediately after the game, Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed dawned a blue ski mask while celebrating the victory with teammates;
The Seahawks brought out the blue ski mask after beating the Lions ??
(via @JerrickReed) pic.twitter.com/FLb6lOal0s
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 17, 2023
Gardner-Johnson, embodying the hyper-competitive culture that has taken root with the Lions from head coach Dan Campbell on down, hoped to start a trend in Sunday's game. But, the Seahawks had other ideas. At least on Sunday afternoon in the Motor City.
oh it's up @CGJXXIII pic.twitter.com/FZc5Nadl54
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 17, 2023
The ski mask that Reed was wearing was presumably stolen from Lions fans at Ford Field who had taken to wearing them at the Week 2 game.
They're just here for the zip line.@SamRichardson | @Lions pic.twitter.com/GvX3kwYHy5
— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2023
While Smith's game-winning drive proved to be the dagger, but Reed also played a vital role finishing with two tackles, two quarterback hits, and a pivotal fumble recovery.
Reed's and the Seahawks' taunt is the kind of moment that makes NFL Sundays fun, and really get the competitive juices flowing. It would certainly be fun if these teams were to meet again in the playoffs, especially after the Seahawks' post-game mockery, after pulling off a big win.
Seattle's victory staved off a dreaded 0-2 start, and could ultimately prove to be the kind of win that comes in handy when it comes to potential tiebreaker scenarios in the NFC Playoff race. Meanwhile, the Lions failed to build on the momentum of a thrilling opening night victory against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium or on the atmosphere fueled by the blue ski masks in the seats.
