Pride of Detroit
Before the Detroit Lions break for their bye week, they face off in a huge NFC matchup on “Monday Night Football.” The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in town and they sport the conference’s best record at 5-1 through six games.
The Buccaneers are led by one of the best offenses in football, currently averaging the sixth-most points per game (27.5). Their offense is defined by a downfield attack led by a strong wide receiving corps and outstanding quarterback play from Baker Mayfield. The Bucs quarterback currently ranks seventh in passer rating (108.5), eighth in QBR (71.1), and ninth in PFF grade (82.6). And with the latest news that the Buccaneers expect to have both Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka active in this game despite injuries, Tampa could be an even more dangerous team to face.
The Lions counter with an even stronger statistical offense. The Lions average 31.8 points per game (second), while Jared Goff ranks second in passer rating (120.6) , seventh in QBR (73.7), and 17th in PFF grade (74.1).
However, the story entering this game may be Detroit’s depleted secondary. They’ll be without both starting outside cornerbacks and both starting safeties. While the Lions may be able to sport starting-calibre cornerbacks in Amik Robertson and Rock Ya-Sin, the depth there is filled with unprovent talent or newly-added bodies. The situation is a little more dire at safety, where Thomas Harper is expected to make just his sixth NFL start and first with Detroit. Next to him is a bit of a mystery, but the options—Erick Hallett, Loren Strickland, or Jammie Robinson—have a combined two starts to them.
Can the Lions show off their resilience once again and enter the bye week with a big win? Stick right here to find out. This post will provide live score updates, highlights, and the latest news during the Monday night matchup. Simply come back here at kickoff (7 p.m. ET) and refresh as the game continues.
