The Buccaneers second playoff game is another rematch, this time with the Detroit Lions. These teams last played in Week 6 in which the Bucs were stymied offensively, losing 20-6. Since then, both teams have grown to a degree that a duplication of their first encounter is unlikely.
One that that has not changed is that the Lions remain an offensive juggernaut. They are top-ten in nearly every conceivable metric: points, total yards, yards per play, EPA per play and success rate. While the Bucs are much improved on offense, ranking 10th in EPA per play since Week 8, all indications point to a steep uphill battle to match the Lions’ offense.
While the Lions’ pass defense makes them vulnerable, the Bucs’ main goal will be to eliminate self-inflicted wounds, namely drops and plays doomed for failure, otherwise known in Tampa Bay as “running the ball.” The offensive game plan and execution will have to be perfect, while on defense, a wing, a prayer and a few good blitzes are all the Bucs can ask for.
Here are the Bucs’ three keys to victory over the Lions in the divisional round of the playoffs: