The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have defeated the Detroit Lions 20-16 in a rematch of the 2023 divisional round match-up. The Bucs came in as 7.5 point underdogs and overcame the home-favorites with a strong defensive effort despite multiple injuries to the core of the Tampa Bay defense.
It was early, after a first-drive field goal, that Bucs’ CB Zyon McCollum came up with an interception after an overthrow by Lions’ QB Jared Goff. The early pass-rush and solid coverage by the Bucs’ defense was felt by Goff, and it was a constant theme throughout the game.
Although Jared Goff eclipsed 300 yards passing, it was on 55 attempts and in an effort to catch up to a Buccaneer team who was ahead from the beginning. Effective through both the ground and the air, this Lions offense couldn’t break through in the red zone. The Lions had seven trips into the red zone, capitalizing with a touchdown once and settling with field goals on three other occasions.
Christian Izien headlined the defense with an interception in the red zone, one of the key plays of the game. He had nine tackles as well, a part of a hard-hitting defense that kept this Lions offense out of the end zone consecutively. Jordan Whitehead and SirVocea Dennis led the team in tackles with eleven, followed by Jamel Dean, who had ten and was also all over the field Sunday.
Baker Mayfield was elusive all throughout the day also. Ducking and diving, Mayfield led the team in rushing yards with 34 and broke out of the pocket to create time on key passing plays. He ended up with 185 yards and a 41-yard passing touchdown to Chris Godwin. There was also an unfortunate third-down interception and a surprising 11-yard run from an empty backfield that ultimately ended up being the deciding score in the game.
The 41-yard passing touchdown was the highlight of the day by Godwin, but an overall 117 yards on seven catches reminded fans the fantasy option CG14 can be. The usual third-down conversions, screens and efficient seven balls caught on eight targets from Godwin was the difference in this game for Tampa Bay. An overall Chris Godwin type game!
A week two win in Detroit is like a breath of fresh air for the Buccaneers after losing to them twice last season. Tampa Bay leaves with many injuries lingering, not only to players who were already out, but Vita Vea left with a knee injury shortly after the half and didn’t return. Along with Rachaad White who played throughout the game, but was dealing with a groin injury early but returned later on.
It will be an electric flight home for this Buccaneers’ team. The toughness of this defense, paired with the explosiveness and great energy brought by Baker Mayfield gives a special feel from this Tampa Bay unit. We will see how they can heal up for week three, as the team will prepare for a match-up at home against the Denver Broncos.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have defeated the Detroit Lions 20-16 in a rematch of the 2023 divisional round match-up. The Bucs came in as 7.5 point underdogs and overcame the home-favorites with a strong defensive effort despite multiple injuries to the core of the Tampa Bay defense.
It was early, after a first-drive field goal, that Bucs’ CB Zyon McCollum came up with an interception after an overthrow by Lions’ QB Jared Goff. The early pass-rush and solid coverage by the Bucs’ defense was felt by Goff, and it was a constant theme throughout the game.
Although Jared Goff eclipsed 300 yards passing, it was on 55 attempts and in an effort to catch up to a Buccaneer team who was ahead from the beginning. Effective through both the ground and the air, this Lions offense couldn’t break through in the red zone. The Lions had seven trips into the red zone, capitalizing with a touchdown once and settling with field goals on three other occasions.
Christian Izien headlined the defense with an interception in the red zone, one of the key plays of the game. He had nine tackles as well, a part of a hard-hitting defense that kept this Lions offense out of the end zone consecutively. Jordan Whitehead and SirVocea Dennis led the team in tackles with eleven, followed by Jamel Dean, who had ten and was also all over the field Sunday.
Baker Mayfield was elusive all throughout the day also. Ducking and diving, Mayfield led the team in rushing yards with 34 and broke out of the pocket to create time on key passing plays. He ended up with 185 yards and a 41-yard passing touchdown to Chris Godwin. There was also an unfortunate third-down interception and a surprising 11-yard run from an empty backfield that ultimately ended up being the deciding score in the game.
The 41-yard passing touchdown was the highlight of the day by Godwin, but an overall 117 yards on seven catches reminded fans the fantasy option CG14 can be. The usual third-down conversions, screens and efficient seven balls caught on eight targets from Godwin was the difference in this game for Tampa Bay. An overall Chris Godwin type game!
A week two win in Detroit is like a breath of fresh air for the Buccaneers after losing to them twice last season. Tampa Bay leaves with many injuries lingering, not only to players who were already out, but Vita Vea left with a knee injury shortly after the half and didn’t return. Along with Rachaad White who played throughout the game, but was dealing with a groin injury early but returned later on.
It will be an electric flight home for this Buccaneers’ team. The toughness of this defense, paired with the explosiveness and great energy brought by Baker Mayfield gives a special feel from this Tampa Bay unit. We will see how they can heal up for week three, as the team will prepare for a match-up at home against the Denver Broncos.
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