With the overtime win over the Rams, the Detroit Lions held strong to beat one of their playoff opponents from last year. On Sunday, they’ll have a chance at another, the Tampa Bay Bucs.
In January the Lions topped the Bucs 31-23 in the divisional round. Both teams have seen a few changes but the main cast of characters is intact for both.
“It doesn’t matter who you play. You have to find a way to win them. I think what’s unique is, I think the Rams last week and the Bucs here are certainly – they have a good chance of winning those divisions,’’ Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “They are certainly going to be competitive and be right there in the race, and so this is a chance to get an early one. You get an early one and you just don’t know what this is going to mean down the road and if you can put some money in the bank early in the season, it will pay big dividends for you down the road.’’
Campbell looks for improvement every week. It’s good with a win under their belt but that was just a start. And, remember, it took overtime.
“Now in the moment, it’s – we just have to improve. I mentioned it the other day, we just have to get a little bit better and if we can do that as individuals, coaches, players, everything, then it’ll raise the floor of our team significantly this week,’’ Campbell said.
Kickoff is at 1 p.m. at Ford Field.
Five things to watch against the Bucs:
ONE: The Lions defense must improve on tackling and make more big plays when the chance is there. Carlton Davis and Brian Branch missed on possible interceptions in the opener while Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport missed sacks. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn saw the positives too. “When you throw it 50 times and you average six yards per attempt, that’s right in our wheelhouse of where we want to be at. So, we were happy about that, and again, just like I said in the run game, we held guys to 3.6 yards per carry I think on 20-something runs. So, that’s who we are as a defense,’’ Glenn said. They could have their hands full with QB Baker Mayfield who threw four TD passes last week in win over the Commanders.
TWO: The Lions offense could take advantage of a beat-up Bucs’ secondary. Safety Antoine Winfield (foot) is expected to miss. Three corners were lost in the Bucs win last week – Zyan McCollum (concussion), Josh Hayes (ankle) and Bryce Hall who is out for the season. “This is a dangerous team. So, we’ll see who they have available here on Sunday, but more than anything, we have to handle all the variety of looks that they can present to us, first and second down, and third down,’’ Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said.
THREE: The Lions’ multi-dimensional offense had enough left in the tank to win in overtime last week. They did it with Amon-Ra St. Brown getting just three catches. Getting him more involved is a priority but it wasn’t shocking since Jameson Williams came up big with 121 receiving yards. “That’s going to happen, and I think what made us a good offense in the past is that last week it was Jameson and this week it could be him again, but it could be anyone. It could be Sam (LaPorta), it could be Kalif (Raymond), it could be – obviously St. Brown is a big part of it, but it could be anyone and that’s what’s good about our offense,’’ quarterback Jared Goff said.
FOUR: In his first NFL game, cornerback Terrion Arnold was notched two pass interference calls against the Rams. It’s not an unusual phenomena for a rookie, but something that needs work. “We have to make sure that we coach those things out of him. ‘Where’s your hand placement? Understand where do you want to turn your head in certain situations on the ball.’ So, I have no issue with that player getting better at that, because I know he will because he’s a quick learner and he’s a fast learner,’’ Glenn said.
FIVE: Look for defensive lineman D.J. Reader to play in his first game for the Lions. “He’s a man’s man. When it comes to the run game, he’s going to be a huge addition to us, but I don’t want guys to just think that’s just who he is, because he has sneaky, athletic ability to be able to help on the passing game too, because he can push the pocket,’’ Glenn said. “Anytime you bring a player like that back in the fold, it only helps us as a defense.”
LIONS INJURY UPDATE: S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) and WR Isaiah Williams (abdomen) are out; DL Marcus Davenport (groin) is doubtful; RT Penei Sewell (ankle), S Kerby Joseph (hamstring) and WR Jameson Williams (ankle) are questionable.
PREDICTION: Lions 27, Bucs 24
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