Tampa Bay Buccaneers Vs. Detroit Lions - Week 2 Preview

By: Jeremy T. Ballreich

This matchup has little rivalry history because almost 30 years ago, these teams were rivals in the same division. The early years were as much as struggle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as the early 2000s were for Detroit. The Bucs inaugural season. They couldn’t win a game, and we’re the first team in the NFL to go winless in a season.

Fast forward to 2023, Tampa signs Baker Mayfield, after Tom Brady had retired and had brought some life back to the area by winning the division for an impressive 3rd year in a row. By winning their wild card match up they then had to Face our beloved Detroit Lions. The Lions handled business to advance to the NFC Championship game and the Bucs were sent home to watch the rest of the playoffs

Now it’s 2024, and Tampa Bay came out and had a great week one. They won convincingly against the Washington Commanders, while the Lions had an overtime thriller where they drove it down to win.

Injuries:

Both teams are a little banged up this week, but Tampa has it a little worse for wear.

Tampa Bay:

Starting LT Luke Goedeke is out with a concussion, Calijah Kamcey with calf tightness is also out. This after learning they lost Anotione Winfield Jr., a top 5 safety, and their CB2 to injury for the next four weeks.

Detroit:

Isaiah Williams WR is out with an abdominal issue, Iffeatu Melifonwu safety is out with an ankle injury. Marcus Davenport is doubtful (more than likely out) with a groin injury.

Penei Sewell RT, and Jameson Williams WR are questionable with minor ankle issues. Kerry Joseph is dealing with hamstring tightness. I expect the first 3 are definitely out. And the latter 3 will probably play.

Keys to the game:

Defensively:

Aiden Hutchinson should be playing another week at Left Defensive End to face another Back up to get a scheme advantage talent wise. The return of Defensive Tackle DJ Reader, with the way he can take on double teams should mean more 1 on 1 situations regardless of who’s on the Dline.

Offensively:

Run the ball early and often to let one of the best QBs at the Playstation pass game get established. With the secondary injuries, plus the injury to Calijah Kancey. The biggest threat to our Oline is Vita Vea Defensive Tackle for Tampa. Limit him and the offense will flourish.

If everything goes right:

Bucs 21

Lions 31

If it all goes bad

Bucs 24

Lions 21

#DefendTheDen

#OnePride