Through The Spyglass: Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Coming out of the bye week healthy with a 3-1 record, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look to show the NFL world that they are a team to take seriously. The have a formidable opponent Week 6 in the Detroit Lions who are an evenly matched team trying to prove they are for real as well. It's the return of the creamsicles between these for divisonal rivals.

In this weekly article, BucsGameday will preview the upcoming opponent. We’ll break down their prior season, the moves they’ve made this year, and the top players to watch on the offense and defense to give you insight into what to expect on game day.

Matchup History

Former NFC Central division rivals, the Lions and Bucs have played 60 games against each other since 1977. Detroit holds the slight edge against Tampa Bay with 31 wins to 29 losses. The last two times these teams met the Buccaneers won convincingly including a 47-7 victory in 2020.

Looking Back At 2022

The Lions have been on an upswing since the hiring of head coach Dan Campbell in 2021. The former Saints assistant head coach has brought a tough as nails culture to Detroit with his players buying in. Last season the Lions finished second in the NFC North with a 9-8 record. Though the building blocks were set in place by Campbell to build a contender after a 7-2 finish to end the season.

What’s New In 2023

Armed with two first round picks, The team made several moves in the draft to land four players that have made an immediate impact. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has brought his game to the next level and edge Adian Hutchinson has been a top pass rusher in the league. The Lions are the media darlings of 2023. They are an aggressive well coached team trying to claim the top spot in a Aaron Rodgersless NFC North.

Top Players On Offense

WR Amon-Ra St. Brown

St. Brown has developed into one of the game's brightest young receivers. Through four games this season he has 267 receptions for 331 yards and two touchdowns. He works primarily out of the slot for the Lions but they like to use him everywhere. St. Brown missed the last game with an abdominal injury but looks like he’ll play on Sunday.

Christian Izen has another big test this season with the primary responsibility on St.Brown when he lines up in the slot.

QB Jared Goff

Goff has really turned his career around with the Lions. Once thought of as a throw-in on the trade that netted them two first round picks, he has made his case as one of the better quarterbacks in the league. Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson’s offense fits him like a glove. He’s limited his turnover and maximized his efficiency in Detroit.

The Bucs will need to be efficient when blitzing Goff as he has some of the better numbers in the league against the extra man.

OT Penei Sewell

Swell took a step further this season and has not allowed a pressure in three straight games. He is quickly establishing himself as one of the premiere right tackles in the NFL. Sewell is the tone-setter for the Lions offensive line and is efficient as a run blocker and pass blocker.

Joe-Tryon Shoykina will be predominantly lined up across of Sewell on Sunday. It’s a big challenge and he’ll need to generate pressure against him consistently to disrupt Goff’s rhythm.

Top Players On Defense

DE Aidan Hutchinson

Hutchinson has been a force this season with 4.5 sacks though five games. He has 35 pressures to go with nine tackles for loss, a forced fumble and an interception. He’s quick, powerful and has an array of pass rush moves to beat teams with. Hutchinson wreaks havoc on all three downs for the Lons.

Bucs right tackle Luke Goedeke is going to get all he can handle trying to contain Hutchinson on Sunday.

S Brian Branch

The Lions use Branch in a variety of roles all over the field. He can cover the slot or play safety and is a sure tackler with 25 on the season. Branch is always around the football and has a pick-six off of Patrick Mahomes in his first career game under his belt. Though Branch didn’t play Week 5 and hasn’t practiced yet this week.

If Branch does play against the Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield will need to know where he is in the secondary at all times.

Final Thoughts

The Lions were the sexy pick to make some noise in the offseason and so far have lived up to those expectations. They are 4-1 on the season with their only loss coming in overtime against the Seahawks. This weeks match up with the Bucs will serve to see where they are at and if they are ready to be mentioned in the same tier as the 49ers and Eagles.

You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.Stick with BucsGameday and the Locked On Bucs podcast for more coverage, news and analysis throughout the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 season.Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook