Pride of Detroit
Monday night brings together two recent multi-time division leaders—the Buccaneers, who have ruled the NFC South since 2021, and the Lions, who have risen to prominence atop the NFC North—in their fourth meeting over the past three seasons.
After Detroit swept Tampa Bay in 2023, including their playoff clash, the Buccaneers struck back early last year in Week 2, handing the Lions one of just two regular-season losses. Now, in a primetime rematch at Ford Field, the Lions will look to rebound from a deflating loss in Kansas City—one where they allowed Patrick Mahomes to march up and down the field nd head into their bye week on a high note against a former Black & Blue divisional rival.
The Buccaneers enter as a legitimate NFC contender behind one of the league’s hottest quarterbacks in Baker Mayfield. Still, it’s worth noting that four of their five wins have come in one-score games—each sealed by a go-ahead score in the final 1:08 or less. The late-raid Buccaneers have thrived on chaos and clutch execution.
Meanwhile, the Lions offense has averaged just 22.3 points per game in its last three meetings with Todd Bowles’ defense and will need to uncover new ways to attack, especially with mounting injuries and a suspension thinning out the secondary. This preview examines seven key statistics that could define Monday night’s matchup—and the formula for Detroit to enter the bye week back in the win column
Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all statistics are sourced from NFL Pro, TruMedia, FTN Fantasy, or Pro Football Reference and exclude garbage time.
While the Lions typically look to establish the run, Todd Bowles’ defense—anchored by Vita Vea in the middle—has been among the league’s toughest fronts to crack. Tampa Bay has smothered rushing attacks in nearly every configuration: under center, shotgun, zone, gap, early downs, and short-yardage. Detroit has averaged a respectable 4.0 yards per carry and 49.3% rushing success rate in their last three meetings with the Buccaneers, but just a 6.8% explosive run rate. Against this front, it may be wiser to set sail on a different course.
With the Lions’ amount of absences in the defensive backfield, the offense must carry the load. That means maximizing possessions and attacking Tampa Bay through the air—particularly in situations where Bowles’ defense has been most vulnerable.
Early-down passing:
The Buccaneers have limited opponents on third down largely because teams stubbornly test their run defense on early downs. But when offenses have attacked through the air early, Tampa Bay’s coverage has sprung leaks. Putting the game in Jared Goff’s hands early—leaning on his timing and accuracy to stay ahead of the sticks—should be a focal point. High-percentage dispersion to Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta on early downs can...
