Containing Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
As much as Jared Goff has given the Bucs fits, Amon-Ra St. Brown is a big reason why. That did not stop in this one, as St. Brown showed why he is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. He was targeted often – look no further than his 19 targets. That target share contributed to his 11 receptions for 119 receiving yards, and he was able to get open and beat the Bucs’ beaten-up secondary.
RG Cody Mauch
It was another disappointing showing from the second-year right guard. On the Bucs’ first offensive drive, Cody Mauch failed to pick up Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson as he went inside and got a strip-sack on Baker Mayfield. It could have been a big early swing, but in one of the scarce positive moments for backup right tackle Justin Skule, he was able to recover the ball after Hutchinson jarred it loose.
On the second drive, Mauch was called for a false start penalty. He also struggled to create space for running backs Rachaad White and Bucky Irving as well as time for Mayfield to set his feet.
It was not solely on him, but his game did not help matters.
So, About The Bucs’ Run Game
A week after Rachaad White had 15 carries for 31 rushing yards against the Commanders, White struggled again, with just 10 carries for 18 rushing yards. Bucky Irving, his promising backfield partner, did not fare much better (seven carries for 22 rushing yards).
There was a lot to be disappointed about with the run game, and it was not just White and Irving. It was a product of the offensive line (Cody Mauch and Justin Skule, in particular) failing to gain leverage and plays being dead on arrival.
This was not the only disappointing trend that continued, either.
Bucs Pass Rush NOT Getting Home
Another game, another instance of the Bucs’ pass rush failing to get home. They did not record a single sack, and this is a growing concern.
They were able to generate some pressure, but it was not enough. The four-man fronts did not lead to sacks or in making Jared Goff uncomfortable. Instead, it was the same old same old.