Behind Enemy Lines with the Detroit Lions
The creamsicle jerseys are back in action on Sunday, and what better time to break them out than a throwback to the Black and Blue Division?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in for an NFC Central rematch when they take on the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon. The Bucs are a good football team at 3-1, but the Lions are 4-1 with some impressive wins against teams like the Kansas City Chiefs. That being said, Tampa Bay should put up a fight with a strong defense and a good passing attack behind Baker Mayfield.
Bucs Wire sat down with Lions Wire’s Jeff Risdon to talk about the Lions and go behind enemy lines before Tampa Bay takes on Detroit. Check out our conversation below:undefined
The Lions seem very injured with a large list on the latest injury reports. Which ones are particularly concerning for the Lions?
Risdon: The most critical one is rookie defensive back Brian Branch. He’s been ruled out with an ankle injury and that hurts the playmaking ability of the secondary. Jahmyr Gibbs is also out, and the rookie RB adds a lot of speed and receiving oomph that doesn’t really get replaced.
Also can’t overlook the loss of left guard Jonah Jackson, who was poised to match up a lot with Vita Vea. The Lions do a lot of movement and pulling/trapping in the run game. The depth isn’t bad at all, but it’s still not likely to be the same in the run game.
Detroit seems like such a well-rounded offense, top 10 in both rushing and passing this year. What weaknesses does the offense have, if any?
Risdon: It is indeed a well-rounded group and scheme. Jared Goff has been outstanding at the controls, and he’s handled pressure very well. If he happens to get hurt, there just isn’t the same level of trust in Teddy Bridgewater.
There isn’t a lot of breakaway speed beyond Jameson Williams, who has not done a lot in limited duty. The Lions thrive at spreading the ball around and exploiting matchups, so a disciplined defense with speed that can pressure without blitzing can be problematic.
Do you believe the Lions are Super Bowl contenders? Will this game be a good benchmark to test the Buccaneers?
Risdon: This game is definitely a validity test. The Bucs are a good team too, and this outcome could very well decide playoff seeding. That might seem like it’s getting too far ahead, but I think both teams are comfortably the best in their divisions.
As for contending for the Super Bowl, you can’t win it if you’re not in it. Might seem trite, but it’s been so long since the Lions were in it! This is the most complete Lions team of the 21st century and the best-coached group I can recall in over 40 years of following the team.
Who is a player on the Lions that Bucs fans should look out for that flies under the radar this year?
Risdon: I think the word is out already on rookie TE Sam LaPorta, who is off to the most productive start by any tight end in NFL history. So I’ll spread the word on Alim McNeill. The big defensive tackle is having a great start to his third season. He lost some weight, moved to a more full-time 3-tech role and is playing impactful football against both the run and the pass.
What is your prediction and predicted score for the game?
Risdon: I expect a close, exciting game. The injury situation for Detroit dampens the enthusiasm, especially against a rested Bucs team. Tampa Bay’s inability to threaten with the run is a big problem; the Lions run D has shut down much better units, and making Baker Mayfield one-dimensional hasn’t always gone well for him. Lions win 26-24 by converting better in the red zone.
