(Photo: Action Network)
NFC Game Of The Week
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions
Buccaneers: They were sharp in week one. I know for a fact many anticipated them to struggle after the three seasons they got from Tom Brady which included three playoff appearances, two division titles, and most importantly, a Super Bowl title. Baker Mayfield was on his a-game against the Washington Commanders in week one. 24 completions in 30 pass attempts, 289 yards passing, and four touchdown passes. I know Baker has struggled to find himself since coming into the NFL and people must realize that just because you have success at the college level, that doesn’t always mean it’ll translate over to the pro level. You can attempt to put pieces around him, but that won’t always solve the issue and a perfect example of that is what took place in Cleveland. The Browns acquired Odell Beckham Jr from the New York Giants and it didn’t pan out. Baker has never been a “bad Quarterback” necessarily. He just needed the right coaching and system, look at him now. He had the best year of his NFL career in 2023 and got a nice contract extension because of it. The Buccaneers also won the NFC South for the third consecutive year. In their division, they’re the only team I have the most faith in. I never know which version of Derek Carr will show up which has me up in the air about the Saints, I don’t trust Kirk Cousins at all and the Carolina Panthers are… Well, they’re at the bottom of the barrel and I mean that in the most honest, yet professional way possible. If anything, this is Tampa’s division to lose at this point. On Sunday, they will return to where their season ended in January.
Lions: It wasn’t pretty, but they got the job done on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams who they knew they would get all they could handle from. They needed overtime to start the year off 1-0 and it doesn’t matter how you do it, win by all means necessary. What impressed me was they were still able to move the ball up and down the field despite Amon-Ra St. Brown not having the impact he usually does. Since coming into the league, he’s become their number-one Wide Receiver. When everything is clicking, this is one of the best offenses in the league. Jared Goff is a solid Quarterback who does what he’s asked for, Amon-Ra has become one of the ten best Wide Receivers in the league, and don’t forget the other weapons in this offense. Sam Laporta who’s become the safety blanket for the Quarterback and Jameson Williams who’s had himself a day on Sunday. There’s been so much chatter about the NFC and who the biggest threat will be to take down the San Francisco 49ers. I’ve heard the Packers and Eagles which aren’t two bad choices. Let’s not forget about the Detroit Lions please and thank you. After all, this group won the division title for the first time since divisions were all realigned and they were a game away from the Super Bowl which is still crazy to process. This year, they come into a season as hunted and not hunters meaning in the NFC North, this is who you must defeat if you want to claim that division and sit on top of the throne. The Lions will look for a 2-0 start and will host the Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon.
Buccaneers X-Factor: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka: When he gets their pass rush going, everyone else is moving down in pursuit of the passer. Sometimes, it takes just one guy to rev everything up and that’s what Joe provides. He’s an average run-stopper, but when it comes to the pass-rushing aspect, he’s on top of his game. Joe can create pressure and make Quarterbacks hesitate in the pocket. He can work the edge on the outside along with a consistent attacking inside counter. Joe uses pure speed and power to win his battles.
Lions X-Factor: D.J. Reader– He was the Lions prized defensive signing during the off-season. Barring any setbacks, D.J. is expected to make his Lions debut this Sunday. When healthy, he’s such a difference-maker. He’s that key cog in run defense and is that one guy that takes many double teams. D.J. is sneaky athletic and very savvy in many of the things he does on the field. The Lions were already one of the best at stopping the run as they held Kyren Williams to 50 yards. Just imagine what they can do with D.J.
Final Thoughts: This was a Divisional Round showdown in the NFC Playoffs in January. It was just the second ever playoff game at Ford Field and the Lions escaped with a victory to advance to the NFC Championship. They also met during the regular season last year in which the Lions also won. Now, they meet again for the third time in over a year. What I enjoy about watching Detroit is they want to run the football and have no problems letting you know that either. They get downhill and wear defenses down. That’ll be a test on Sunday as Tampa also has one of the best run defenses in the league. I expect the Tampa offense to move the ball with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin who will be a test for this Detroit secondary. The Lions offense will attack this secondary of the Bucs who will be without the services of Antoine Winfield Jr. The Lions will beat Tampa Bay for the third consecutive time this Sunday in a close battle.
Prediction: Lions 31, Buccaneers 24
