1. LaGarrette Blount versus Detroit’s front seven

Last year, RB LaGarrette Blount surprised a lot of people when he rushed for over a thousand yards for the Bucs. Blount was not selected in the 2010 Draft but was later picked up by the Titans.  Then he was released and the Buccaneers claimed him off waivers. He went on to shock the NFL, becoming the second undrafted running back ever to rush for a thousand yards in his rookie season.

Against the Lions last year, Blount ran for 110 yards on only 15 carries.  The Lions’ defensive line is great and the linebackers are much improved from last year.  The front seven will really need to limit Blount.  The Lions will find a lot of success if they can make the Bucs abandon the running game and force them to pass a majority of the time.  Tampa’s receiving core isn’t the best the Honolulu Blue and Silver will face this year.  Mike Williams is a solid, young receiver and Arrelious Benn is a speedster but I am confident our secondary, who will be better than a lot of people predict, will be able to handle them.  The defensive line will help out the back of the defense if they can put a lot of pressure on big Josh Freeman and make him force or hurry passes.  Forced and hurried passes equals turnovers and short possessions.  Those equal wins.
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