Burning Questions: Who is Lions' 'Secret Weapon' Against Bucs?
The Detroit Lions are one win away from appearing in the NFC Championship game for just the second time in franchise history.
They've already defeated their opponent once this season, dispatching Tampa Bay 20-6 in Week 6. Both teams have new elements, but each's core identity of physicality remains the same.
Several Lions have discussed the importance of neutralizing the impact of the Buccaneers' defense. Particularly, an interior group led by tackle Vita Vea presents a challenge for Detroit's standout offensive line.
To combat this, the Lions will have to be adequately equipped and positioned pre-snap. This area is one where second-team All-Pro selection Frank Ragnow comes into play.
"Really, our secret weapon is Frank Ragnow," said offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. "We put a lot on his plate, both run game and pass game, so he does a great job getting fronts identified for the rest of the offensive line and in the protection game with the running backs and tight ends. So he really is a key cog in what we do and I can't say enough good things about him. Experienced player that's seen a lot of football and even when we get unscouted looks, he can find a solution for us more times than not."
Another player who could be a factor in Sunday's showdown is wide receiver Jameson Williams. The second-year wideout caught a touchdown when these teams last met, one that turned out to be difference making in the two-score win.
With his speed and ability to stretch the field, Williams' deep-threat skills allows the team to test Tampa Bay's secondary. If he can replicate his feat from the first time these teams met, he adds another key vertical element to the offense.
Will Lions' coordinators be distracted after interviews?
Both Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson will be interviewed by multiple NFL teams with head coach vacancies on Saturday.
Combined, the two coaches have received interest from 10 teams. Johnson has been requested for an interview by six teams, while Glenn drew interest from four.
The duo have been tasked with handling these interviews while still going about their regular game-planning duties. Dan Campbell explained why he feels confident about both not wavering in their focus for Sunday's game.
"Well we'll find out because it starts today. I know this about both of them, they are 100 percent team-oriented," Campbell explained. "They're all about the team, they're all about this plan, they're all about those players in that room and the other coaches around them and that's where it all starts for them. They both understand they have an opportunity and so they're gonna take these, but they also know, hey, if anything, what you're gonna get is you're gonna find out who I am."
One disadvantage that both coaches face in the interview process is an inability to fully dive into the infrastructure of teams that they'll be meeting with.
Whereas coaches who have seen their seasons end can examine rosters and build a more comprehensive pitch, Glenn and Johnson are limited in this aspect while game-planning.
"They can't do that. They don't have time. So what they need to do is, and they will, just let them know who you are, what you're about, why you feel like we had success here, the things you believe in," Campbell said. "And either they like you or they don't. And that's, it's a little unfair but also it's the business. So you do that, you move on, you get ready for the game and here we go."
Both Glenn and Johnson acknowledged this juxtaposition during the week. Johnson said he'd hold off on interviews until he completed the game plan for Sunday's game.
Glenn, meanwhile, explained that Sunday's game remains at the forefront of his responsibilities.
"The main thing is the main thing, just like I said last week," Glenn said. "We're trying to beat Tampa. This is an opportunity for all of us as an organization, as a staff, as players, to get a chance to compete for a Super Bowl. So we have to make sure that we put everything we can into winning this game right here. To me, that's the most important thing."
Will red zone defense shine again?
Though the Lions were gashed at points in their Wild Card win over the Los Angeles Rams, they buckled down when it mattered most.
On three trips to the red zone, the Rams were forced to settle for field goals on each. In particular, the defensive backs did a good job neutralizing top wide receiver Cooper Kupp.
Heading into Sunday's game, they'll face another talented crop of wideouts. However, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson explained that the team has gained confidence from their ability to keep opponents out of the end zone.
"We've been giving up a good amount of yards these past few games but our red zone defense has been great," Hutchinson said. "If you play good in the red zone, play good on third down, you put yourself in a good position to win games despite how many yards you give up."
