The Detroit Lions entered their Week 4 win against the Seattle Seahawks ranking near the bottom of the league averaging only 26 snaps of nickel personnel per game on defense. Against the Seahawks, the Lions defense played in nickel a season-high of 43 snaps. Coincidentally, Amik Robertson recorded season-highs with both 52 defensive snaps played and by playing 57.7% of the defensive snaps against the Seahawks.
The Lions uptick in nickel personnel usage could be a combination of two factors. The Seahawks offense utilizes a heavy amount of three-wide receiver sets, or 11-personnel, which often requires more defensive backs on the field to defend.