The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 1-0 to start the year after a convincing week one victory over Washington. However, they will be going up against a much more difficult opponent this week as they travel to Detroit to play the Lions. This will be a chance for the Bucs to avenge their playoff loss last season and keep on their strong start this year.
There is no doubt that the Lions are the class of the NFC and the Bucs will need their best game to beat them. Unfortunately, that might not be possible with the amount of early injuries that are piling up in Tampa. The Buccaneers will have to win where they have advantages and have a few other guys step up.
What are those matchups that need to be won? Who are the players that need to step up? I break it down in this week’s skeleton keys to victory.
Attack Jack!
The Lions defense designed to stop the run. They are very strong in the trenches and they have a pair of linebackers who live to attack down hill. One of those linebackers is 2023 first round pick Jack Campbell.
While Campbell is a physical tackler with excellent speed, he still has work to do as a coverage player. He just lacks the experience and, at times it seems like, the fluidity as well to be strong in this area of his game at this point in his career. This makes him the weak link in the Lions front seven.
I would expect an early dose of Rachaad White in this game, as well as Cade Otton. I’ll also be looking for Trey Palmer and his electric speed over the middle on crossing routes. It should be a big day for the supporting cast type players.
Control The Middle Of The Field On Defense
The Lions want to establish an identity of toughness and physicality. Running the ball down the defenses throat and imposing their will. Pounding the rock is the foundation of their offense.
Once they have done that, they want to pick teams apart with things that look like runs. Play action passes and making the linebackers and safeties hesitate just enough to throw it to the tight end or slot receiver. It’s a big part of why Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam Laporta were both All Pros last year.
Slowing these guys down has to be the primary focus of the defense. Committing to stopping the run and clogging the middle part of the field. You have to make the Lions beat you on the edges if you want to have a chance to slow down this high powered offense.
Win The Turnover Battle
The Lions are a better team than the Bucs, even when healthy. It will take time for this young Bucs squad to round into form, whereas the core of this Lions team has been together for several years. All things equal, it’s a game that Detroit should win.
So naturally, the Bucs just can’t allow things to be equal. They have to make something happen that tips the scale in their favor. That thing is turnovers.
Not giving this Lions offense a chance to score I’d the best way to prevent them from scoring. They are too strong in the trenches and the Bucs are too injured in the secondary to expect to force a lot of punts. The Buccaneers need to win the turnover battle by at least two for them to steal a win.
Overall
The Lions are the more talented, more experienced and healthier team in this game. Not a good combination for a Bucs team that has to go on the road. Pulling out a win would be very difficult.
With that said, I want the Buccaneers to go through as much adversity as possible in this game. This is a potential playoff preview and the young players need to experience exactly what that means. Remember, the goal isn’t to win in week two, it’s to win the Super Bowl.