Detroit’s Divisional Matchup Against the Buccaneers
After a historic win against the Rams to end their 32-year-long playoff drought, the Lions continue their playoff run. After the Green Bay Packers’ upset of the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit will host another playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This week, Detroit will prepare for their divisional round matchup and continue their run to the Super Bowl. The Lions need to stick to their strengths and make the necessary adjustments against Tampa Bay.
Photo Credit: Jason Behnken
The Lions faced Tampa Bay in Week 6 of the regular season and won convincingly with a score of 20-6. Detroit held the Buccaneers to only two field goals and stopped Mike Evans from scoring in that game. Quarterback Jared Goff performed well in that game, throwing for two touchdowns. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown hauled in one of those touchdowns, also posting 124 yards on the day.
One thing to note in Detroit’s matchup against Tampa Bay was the injury report. Some of Detroit’s players that were injured included running back Jahmyr Gibbs, safety Brian Branch, defensive back C.J Gardner-Johnson and RB David Montgomery were ruled out by the second quarter. Having these players back and healthy will be a ton of help to Detroit.
Photo Credit: Nic Antaya
Detroit is known for their excellent offensive line. They create time in the pocket, holes for the running, and do their job efficiently. Jared Goff’s accuracy and decision-making is a core strength of this offense. With Ben Johnson’s play-calling and Dan Campbell’s grit, the Lions’ offense is a workhorse.
Goff has led this offense as a trustworthy and confident quarterback. Gibbs is one of the quickest and twitchiest players in the NFL. Whether he is running inside or outside the pocket, he shifts and accelerates like no other. St. Brown is similar in the receiver position. He gets a lot of his receiving yard by his running after the catch. He shifts, runs, spins, and will find himself in the end zone. Montgomery is also quick but is known for his ability to find the hole and hit it hard. Sam LaPorta is a phenomenal rookie tight end. He has proved himself throughout the season to be a key piece in this offense and has shown up massively. With all these stars contributing, Detroit will be able to put up points against Tampa Bay.
Photo Credit: Del Rio
Detroit’s defense hasn’t been the best, but with the adjustments by Aaron Glenn, there are improvements each week. Players like linebacker Alex Anzalone and Branch have stepped up and become key pieces, along with stars like defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and Gardner-Johnson. The secondary is where Detroit has been most vulnerable, but looking ahead to their divisional matchup, it will be important to stopping explosive plays.
Mike Evans and Baker Mayfield’s connection will be a key focus for the Lion’s secondary and stopping Evans will be a huge factor. Our run defense however has held up well and ranks eighth in the league. Rachaad White is the Buccaneer’s running back, and it will be important to contain him as he is an explosive runner.
Photo Credit: Jefferee Woos
The city of Detroit has been a huge strength to the Lions. They have motivated these players and shown out at their home games. Dan Campbell created a culture in Detroit that is best described as “controlled fury”. Detroit will continue to be an explosive offense using their star players. Their defense will continue to pressure the quarterback and make adjustments. With a win against Tampa Bay, the Lions could see themselves in the NFC Championship Game against either Green Bay or San Francisco.
Photo Credit: Gregory Shamus
