Bowles Ready for 'Measuring Stick' Game Against Lions

Last year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers expected to rebuild but instead turned a corner with Baker Mayfield under center. A surge at the end of the season crowned them NFC South champions and they advanced as far as the NFC Divisional round.

There, they fell short against the Detroit Lions. Week 2, they meet that same foe once again.

But instead of getting one back on the Lions, the Bucs have their sights set elsewhere. Early in this season, especially when considering a recent slew of injuries, Todd Bowles and Tampa Bay are just trying to gauge where they currently stand.

"They're a different team, we're a different team. We've got a lot of new guys, different offensive coordinator, and it's a different scheme," Bowles told media Thursday. "We know they're a very good team, but we came in first as well."

"It's going to be a first-place schedule, so they're not going to be the only good team we face. But it's going to be a good measuring stick early on and we just have to come ready to play."

Bowles is right in examining where the Bucs are as they progress through the season. Revenge aside, Sunday presents a prime opportunity to send a message around the conference.

The Lions, 49ers, Cowboys and Eagles have dominated the NFC contention talks over the last year. A win at Detroit changes that conversation for the time being.

Related: Bucs' Tristan Wirfs Prepares for Lions' 'Big' Edge Rushers

But for now, the focus remains on the Bucs individually. Mayfield and the new-look offense under Liam Coen have unlocked new weapons and will try to utilize them against a stout Lions defense.

Defensively, the onslaught of injuries will test Tampa Bay's depth without key starters Calijah Kancey and Antoine Winfield Jr. The group at hand will need to be well prepared for the wealth of weapons in Ben Johnson's offense.

Nonetheless, Bowles and the Bucs will learn a great deal about their team come Sunday afternoon.