Following their triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Detroit Lions are now on the cusp of glory, eyeing the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers.
The victory was the result of a collective effort from all three phases, reflecting the Lions’ characteristic resilience in close matches. This team is built to adapt, with each phase compensating when one aspect takes a moment to find its rhythm. While key players delivered outstanding performances that propelled the Lions to victory, there were also areas where improvement is needed as they prepare to face San Francisco.
Let’s take a look at the best and worst PFF graded players for the Lions in their victorious encounter with the Buccaneers.
Best Offensive Players
Detroit Lions’ Craig Reynolds runs into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC divisional round playoff game at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. Right tackle Penei Sewell (58) celebrates.
- RT Penei Sewell: 94.1
- LT Taylor Decker: 93.6
- LG Jonah Jackson: 86.1
- RB Jahmyr Gibbs: 84.3
- C Frank Ragnow: 79.9
Recall the times when there were controversies over the Lions seemingly misusing Sewell’s talent by placing him at right tackle instead of left tackle? Well, it seems those concerns can now be put to rest. Sewell has consistently proven himself as one of the league’s best right tackles, earning All-Pro honors. This was evident in his outstanding performance against the Bucs, where he achieved the highest run-blocking grade (97.5) in PFF history. Decker also played exceptionally well, showcasing elite grades in both run and pass blocking, successfully preventing any pressure.
Before Jackson exited the game due to injury, he was performing admirably with above-average grades in all categories. The significant difference in the team’s dynamics became apparent when he left. Gibbs displayed his remarkable strength and speed, putting on a clinic against the Bucs’ defense and securing a long touchdown run. It’s worth noting that Ragnow, seemingly superhuman, continued to play despite an early injury. He demonstrated why he may be the best center in the NFL by tackling tough assignments and excelling in every aspect of the game.
Worst Offenisve Players
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 19: David Montgomery #5 celebrates a fourth quarter touchdown with Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions during a game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field on November 19, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
- LG Kayode Awosika: 48.4
- RB David Montgomery: 49.6
- RG Graham Glasgow: 50.8
- TE Anthony Firkser: 54.6
- FB Jason Cabinda: 55.1
As the offensive line appeared nearly invincible, the Buccaneers managed to exploit a weakness when Awosika stepped in for the injured Jackson. Awosika received credit for five pressures against the formidable Bucs defensive line. Given Jackson’s uncertain injury status, it seems likely that Awosika might continue in his role. The day was relatively quiet for Montgomery, accumulating only 33 yards on the ground. However, he faced challenges in pass blocking, allowing a sack.
Glasgow had a challenging day in the guard position, conceding four pressures, one of which resulted in a sack. Firkser’s performance was consistently average across the board, and Cabindas, both primarily utilized in the run-blocking department, delivered a similar performance.
Best Defensive Players
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 21: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions reacts to a sack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Ford Field on January 21, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
- LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin: 90.6
- DT Benito Jones: 82.6
- DE Aidan Hutchinson: 76.8
- S C.J. Gardner-Johnson: 70.4
- DT Tyson Alualu: 69.3
Reeves-Maybin had limited opportunities on the defensive front, but he made a significant impact with every play. He contributed to the Lions’ five sacks, securing one himself. In coverage, he was targeted only once, allowing a mere five-yard gain. Jones also capitalized on his limited plays, executing a skillful swim move to pressure Baker Mayfield, forcing a crucial throwaway during a pivotal moment in the game.
Hutchinson continued to showcase his dominance, registering eight total pressures, including five hurries, two quarterback hits, and a sack. Additionally, he made three stops in the run game and restricted coverage to only twelve yards. Gardner-Johnson intercepted a tipped ball and remained untargeted in coverage. Alualu, making strides from a practice squad call-up, has become a regular on the defensive line, logging 20 snaps and delivering a quarterback hit in the process.
Worst Defensive Players
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) celebrates a play against Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of the NFC divisional round at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.
- DE Romeo Okwara: 36.7
- S Kerby Joseph: 49.2
- CB Kindle Vildor: 50.4
- S Ifeatu Melifonwu: 52.6
- LB Jack Campbell: 52.9
When primarily employed in pass-rushing situations, it becomes crucial to create discomfort for the quarterback, but Okwara seemed nowhere to be found. In his 28 pass-rushing snaps, he failed to generate any pressure and even missed a tackle, leading to a significant gain. Joseph had an average performance, showcasing with two batted passes and a pass breakup but receiving a low score in coverage.
Vildor has been consistently taking hits, and his performance against the Bucs didn’t improve, being targeted eight times and allowing four catches for 64 yards. Melifonwu, experiencing a career resurgence, recorded two sacks, but he missed three tackles and allowed 28 yards on two catches. Campbell had an overall average grade, and although he wasn’t targeted in coverage, a missed tackle impacted his overall performance.