Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions

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The Detroit Lions have faced numerous injuries among their offensive line and skill position players this season, but they've managed to maintain their performance without missing a beat.

Jared Goff, who holds the top position for quarterback performance according to PFF grade, is having what could be considered his best season so far. He leads in adjusted completion percentage, ranks fourth in yards per attempt (8.0), sixth in passer rating, and fourth in adjusted net yards per attempt (7.6). This remarkable performance is partly due to the support he receives from one of the NFL's top offensive lines. Detroit is placed fifth in PFF pass blocking grade and has allowed just seven sacks, which is the third-lowest among teams with at least five games played. Although the team allows pressure at a rate ranking 11th-highest in the league, Goff has impressively managed this pressure by reducing sacks and turnovers. His PFF grade under pressure ranks 11th (62.6), a significant improvement from his 30th ranking last year (41.2).

Additionally, Goff benefits from an underrated group of receivers. The Lions have the third-highest PFF receiving grade in the NFL, with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, and Kalif Raymond all ranking among PFF's top 20 receivers.

However, there are notable injuries within this group that could have a negative impact on their performance. It's likely that left guard Jonah Jackson and running back Jahmyr Gibbs will be absent, and there is uncertainty about the availability of tight end Sam LaPorta. LaPorta's role has been particularly valuable as a third-down safety valve and as a blocker in both running and passing plays.

On the defensive side, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have showcased an impressive pass defense in the early part of the season. They have consistently held opposing quarterbacks, with the exception of Kirk Cousins, well below their season passer rating averages. The Buccaneers also rank 10th in yards allowed per attempt (6.5), fifth in passer rating allowed (75.1), eighth in dropback expected points added, and fifth in dropback success rate.

The precise reason for their success isn't entirely clear. While their pass rush statistics are not extraordinary, they have been effective. Tampa ranks 23rd in pass rush win rate, 11th in PFF pass rushing grade, and 18th in pressure percentage, yet they manage to average three sacks per game.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are making a return to the field after an early bye week. In the first four games, they've emerged as a surprising force in the 2023 NFL season, but they'll need to maintain their positive momentum to prove the national media wrong.

This Sunday, they'll put their 3-1 record and their position as the leaders in the NFC South to the test when they face the Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium. The league has moved this game to the 4:25 p.m. slot, expecting an exciting matchup between Baker Mayfield, Jared Goff, and two strong defenses.

The Lions, who started the season by defeating the Chiefs on the road, have won three consecutive games by a margin of 14 points or more. Under head coach Dan Campbell's leadership, they've transformed from perennial underdogs to playoff contenders.

In our analysis, our staff shares their predictions and thoughts on the Buccaneers and Lions game, which is bringing back the iconic creamsicle jerseys for the first time since 2012.

The Buccaneers probably had mixed feelings going into the bye week. While they wanted to ride their early-season success, the extra time off was beneficial, especially since star wide receiver Mike Evans is now set to return after a hamstring injury suffered during the win over New Orleans.

This return of Evans could significantly boost an offense that has struggled to consistently find running room. Baker Mayfield's ability to protect the football and perform on third downs will be crucial against the Lions, and he'll rely on Evans and standout Chris Godwin in a matchup against a talented secondary.

On the defensive front, they face a challenge in dealing with Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Having Jamel Dean, Ryan Neal, and Calijah Kancey back in the lineup will be crucial for the Buccaneers. This game is likely to be closely contested, but Detroit is predicted to pull out a victory in the fourth quarter.

A key factor in the Buccaneers' success on Sunday against the Lions will be their ability to maintain their streak of protecting Baker Mayfield in the passing game.

Mayfield has shown his elusiveness this season, but Detroit's Aiden Hutchinson poses a unique challenge. Hutchinson's relentless motor demands that Tampa Bay's offensive line stays engaged, understanding that the play doesn't end until the whistle blows.