Pride of Detroit
It was a reversal of roles on Monday night and in the unlikeliest of circumstances. The Detroit Lions offense has regularly buoyed the team, given the immense amount of talent on that side of the ball. And with the entire Lions’ starting secondary missing against a red-hot Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense, many—myself included—expected a bit of a shootout, necessitating a big day from Jared Goff and company.
Instead, Goff sputtered and Baker Mayfield collapsed. The Lions defense proved they can be at the heart of this team just as much as the offense. So let’s hand out some grades for their big 24-9 victory over the Buccaneers.
Quarterback: C–
At first, it appeared Goff was up for the challenge. Detroit’s running attack didn’t see much early success, so Goff carried them to an impressive opening drive. In the first quarter, Goff completed 8-of-10 passes for 137 yards, a touchdown, and a 152.1 passer rating.
The rest of the way, though, he went just 12-of-19 for 104 yards, an interception, and a 55.6 passer rating. Goff looked uncomfortable in the pocket and indecisive in his reads. Goff is typically very, very good at avoiding negative plays, but against the Bucs he took four sacks and threw one terrible, inexcusable interception.
Goff wasn’t helped by a stagnant running game and some credit goes to a really good Tampa defense, but it was still a disappointing performance from 16.
Running backs: B+
This is a tough grade to hand out. Jahmyr Gibbs was outstanding on Monday night. His explosiveness and elusiveness was on display all night, turning just 20 touches into 218 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns.
But David Montgomery had just 39 yards on 15 touches. Additionally, both backs had some serious mistakes in pass protection that made Goff’s life a little harder.
Still, Gibbs was arguably the biggest superstar of the game, so anything lower than a B+ would be ridiculous.
Tight ends: D+
The Bucs’ passing defense came into this game really struggling to defend against tight ends in the passing game, and Detroit underwhelmed with just six catches and 38 yards between Brock Wright and Sam LaPorta. Additionally, Wright continues to be a bit of an issue when it comes to both pass protection and run blocking.
This unit is avoiding an F because they were responsible for two of Detroit’s three third-down conversions.
Wide receivers: C-
Amon-Ra St. Brown was a huge factor early in the game and still finished with a more-than-respectable six catches for 86 yards and a touchdown. But when the Bucs adjusted and, at times, triple teamed St. Brown, unfortunately no one else stepped up. Jameson Williams didn’t win any one-on-ones. Isaac TeSlaa is still a relative non-factor in the passing game. And the only non-St. Brown receiver who caught a pass on Monday night, Kalif Raymond, turned three targets into just 17 yards.
Offensive line: D+
Credit where credit is due: the Lions’ blocking on Gibbs’ 78-yard touchdown was an absolute thing of...
