By Jeremy T. Ballreich
October 15th, 2023 the Detroit Lions(4-1) came into Raymond James Stadium on a mission to stay dominant. Facing off against a very good team in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 4:25 pm Eastern. Both teams have done well against the run. The Lions 4th (68.4 RYPG) and the Buccaneers were 10th (98.4 RYPG). That trend stays intact for both teams.
The Lions limped to 40 yards due to their prolific runner David Montgomery sustaining a rib injury early. But the Lions only relinquished 46 yards on the ground to the Bucs with Baker Mayfield having 6 of them.
The difference was the passing game. Even though there was only one sack by the Lions Defense. They were consistently getting pressures the entire game. And the defensive linemen remembered to lift their hands into the passing game. Isaiah Buggs DT batted one into the air on the first drive where we saw the often bashed NCB Will Harris get an interception. Led to a FG for the Lions to be up 3-0.
It was a battle offensively to come by points in the first quarter. Then the Sun God, Amon-Ra St. Brown started to shine! 12 catches on 15 targets including the 2nd quarter TD on a crossing route that broke him free. A punishing block along the sideline by RB Craig Reynolds. Josh Reynolds and Jameson Williams also gave some key blocks in the beginning of the catch to free Amon-Ra.
After last week with Jameson Williams having a less than stellar review. Jamo as he’s known to fans had 2 receptions for 56 yards including a 41 yard dime into the end zone from Jared Goff.
Jared Goff continues to establish himself as a deep passing threat to his receivers with a league leading 64% completion rate on passes over 20+ in air yards. He threw for 353 yards in 30 of 44 passes. 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.
The defense was stingy to Tampa Bays elite receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Chris Godwin had 6 catches for 77 yards. Mike Evans 4 for 49 yards. Baker Mayfield finished the Contest with 19 of 37 passing 206 yards and an interception.
Lions Defense for the second time this season of not allowing a TD to be scored for an entire game.
Offensively they amassed over 350 yards for a 6th consecutive game. Which hasn’t been done by the franchise, well since before it was even the Lions. It was the Portsouth Spartans who did it 3 consecutive years no less starting from 1930 – 1932. The Spartans were purchased and moved to Detroit in 1934. When they won the first of 4 NFL World Championships.
On to Baltimore in week 7. Lions crush the Buccaneers
DET 20
T B 6
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