Bucs vs Lions: Todd Bowles Previews 'Talented' Detroit Offense

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions combatted in one of the more underrated and exciting games of the NFL Playoffs last season. Detroit ultimately bested Tampa Bay 31-23, but two weeks into the season, the defending NFC South champs have a chance for revenge.

Perhaps that may not be front of mind. The Bucs are already navigating some key injuries while solidifying an upgraded offense.

But their trials ahead of Sunday afternoon's game are no distraction from the challenge that waits up North. The Lions boasted a top-five scoring offense a season ago, looking primed to achieve a similar rank with the same group.

"They're talented all the way around, no question about it," Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said. "They can hurt you a lot of ways running the ball or throwing the ball. Any one of their receivers, tight ends, or backs can hurt you."

Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs led that effort in the playoff game. But as Detroit showed against the Los Angeles Rams, the hot hand may not always be their biggest star.

Jameson Williams powered the offense with five receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown. In their season opener, it was David Montgomery leading the effort on the ground with 91 yards.

As Bowles mentions, there is a lot of talent on this offense. How will the Bucs go about corralling the bunch?

Schematically, holding off one weapon, whether in the run or in the pass, opens avenues for others to make an impact. Tampa Bay will have to hinder the source, meaning make quarterback Jared Goff uncomfortable.

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In Week 1, the Bucs tallied two sacks but struggled to contain the mobile Jayden Daniels. Goff will not present the same agile threat. Tampa Bay's pass rush will have to get home or be a disruption often.

When Detroit runs the ball, they will need to be strong at the line and force the Lions into long third downs and passing situations. That may be a tough ask without key players like Antoine Winfield Jr. in the lineup.

Bowles and the Bucs have seen this defense get shorthanded before. Despite the adversity, holding serve could put them position to claim a big road victory.