Ranking the Most Important Matchups in Bucs vs. Lions Divisional NFL Playoff Game
After getting their first playoff win since 1991, the Detroit Lions are looking to punch their ticket to the NFC Championship Game.
Standing in their way is Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are coming off of a victory over the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Here are the biggest matchups that will determine the outcome of Sunday's contest.
3. Detroit Offensive Line vs. Tampa Bay Pass Rush
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Tampa Bay will try to disrupt Jared Goff's rhythm in the pocket at all costs.
Goff thrived against the Los Angeles Rams due to his long-standing connections with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Josh Reynolds.
Sam LaPorta will be one week healthier, and that should lead to a more effective offense, but in order for that to occur, the Lions must slow down the Bucs pass rush.
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey lead a unit that produced three sacks against Philadelphia last week.
While most of the Eagles roster was in a tailspin, the offensive line was still one of its strong suits, so that statistic should not be taken lightly.
The Bucs are capable of getting into the pocket immediately and forcing the Lions into long-yardage situations.
If Detroit can keep that unit at bay and give Goff time to work, it should move down the field with ease with its versatile rushing attack.
2. Cade Otton, Chris Godwin vs. Middle of Lions Defense
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The Lions defense received a fair amount of criticism for its struggles throughout the regular season.
Detroit allowed over 300 passing yards on seven occasions this season, including a 357-yard concession to the Rams last weekend.
Mayfield should look to the middle of the field to exploit the soft parts of the Detroit defense.
The Tampa Bay quarterback thrived in that regard on Monday with tight end Cade Otton, who had eight catches on 11 targets for 89 yards.
Otton should be utilized once again to exploit the middle of the Detroit defense and to help Mayfield avoid the pressure from Aidan Hutchinson and the Lions pass rush.
Chris Godwin is Tampa Bay's other physical wide receiver and he could be used more by Mayfield to work down the field.
Mike Evans is used more on deeper routes and on the outside. He will be important on Monday, but in this specific matchup, Mayfield needs Otton and Godwin to play well to allow Tampa Bay to put up points.
1. Detroit's Running Backs vs. Lavonte David
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David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs will face one of the NFL's most underappreciated veteran defenders in Lavonte David.
David produced his sixth 100-tackle season in the last seven campaigns and he tied his third-best career total in tackles for loss with 17.
The veteran linebacker should be all over the field in an attempt to contain Detroit's running back tandem.
The Bucs must limit the production of Montgomery and Gibbs on the ground so that their pass rush can go after Goff on long-yardage plays.
They also need to contain the running back duo in the passing game, and if David is able to get out in coverage and make a few big tackles, the Bucs could take away a vital part of the Detroit offense.
Tampa Bay's defensive task will not be easy, but they have the personnel available to at least push Detroit for four quarters.
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