Even though the Detroit Lions hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in January in the NFC Divisional Round, there is still a lot of unknown to Sunday’s Week 2 matchup at Ford Field. The Lions have a brand new CB corps that features Carlton Davis, who started for Tampa Bay in that Detroit win.
That’s just one of the dynamic changes between these two NFC rivals as they get ready to play for the third time in less than a calendar year. To help get caught up on what’s changed with the Buccaneers and how they match up with the Lions, I turned to Buccaneers Wire and editor Andrew Harbaugh. He’s part of the change too, having been part of the Lions Wire team during the 2023 season and playoffs.
Baker Mayfield threw 4 TDs in the opener. How dangerous is he playing on the young season?
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 21: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is pursued by Brian Branch #32 of the Detroit Lions during the first quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Ford Field on January 21, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Baker Mayfield looked extremely sharp in Week 1, taking advantage of a weak Washington Commanders secondary. He did it without giving too much attention to one receiver, either. With Mayfield distributing things, the trio of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and rookie Jalen McMillan looked like they could be one of the best-receiving corps in the NFL this season.
Some thought the departure of offensive play caller Dave Canales would affect this offense, but his replacement, Liam Coen, has this offense humming.
What does the injury situation do to the Bucs secondary?
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 21: Jahmyr Gibbs #26 of the Detroit Lions rushes for a touchdown against Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Ford Field on January 21, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
I will keep things simple; it makes them highly vulnerable. The injury to Antoine Winfield Jr.’s physical and mental impact on what this defense can accomplish. On the injury report, they also have rookie Tykee Smith, who played well to open the season. Cornerback Zyon McCollum, who was playing well before his concussion against the Commanders, seems to be on track to play on Sunday but this secondary is very much limping into this matchup.
The Lions pass rush dominated the Rams, can they do that to the Buccaneers too?
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson looks at the sideline after a play against the Minnesota Vikings offense at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024
Tristan Wirfs is one of the best tackles in football, so I have faith that his side of the line will be stable. However, right tackle Luke Goedeke was ruled out with a concussion on Friday’s injury report, leaving an opening for them to capitalize on.
I imagine Aidan Hutchison will be assigned to the weaker side of the line, so we will see Mayfield’s mobility on full display. Few quarterbacks do a better job of being mobile within the pocket and evading pressures, but the Lion’s pressure may be too much.
Where is one area where the Bucs might have a real matchup advantage?
Sep 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws the ball to running back Rachaad White (1) against the Washington Commanders during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
I think the Bucs have a chance to really control the tempo of this game by controlling the time of possession. Rachaad White emerged last year as one of the best running backs in the NFL, and despite that, Jason Licht drafted Bucky Irving out of Oregon. They now have their own version of thunder and lightning, which the Lions have in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Lions fans know how effective that combination was in 2023, and I think in 2024, the Bucs try to do the same thing.
Who wins and why?
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) runs for a first down against Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) during the second half of the NFC divisional round at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.
This is honestly one of the tougher matchups to gauge in Week 2 of the season, but that is what makes it fun, right? I think these teams are the future of the NFC and will be facing off for years to come in the playoffs, but in this chapter of the story, the home-field advantage for Detroit will give them the edge. I see this coming down to the wire and the Lions pulling out a close win of 31-27.