Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6 players to watch
In their third preseason matchup of the year, here are six Detroit Lions players to watch as they face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Detroit Lions should see a heavy dose of starters play as they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Friday night in their third preseason matchup of the year.
The Lions have looked a bit stagnant in their first two preseason contests. With the starters expected to get the bulk of the snaps in this one, fans should get their best glimpse of what the upcoming regular season might look like.
With that in mind, here are six Lions we’ll be watching closely on Friday night.
Ameer Abdullah, Running Back
After an impressive first preseason game, Abdullah followed that up with two fumbles in game two. Whether he’s being played as a possible job interview for a trade or is an actual consideration to be a vital part of the team, Ameer’s play Friday night could determine his fate in Detroit.
Matthew Stafford, Quarterback
Stafford looked fairly good in one of the three series he played against the New York Giants in their second preseason game. Now, we should get to see Stafford for a solid half. We need to see a more consistent outing from the starting offense, although the offensive line will need to perform much better for that to happen.
Luke Willson, Tight End
No one has really stepped up from the tight end position to shine as of yet. The best bet at this point is Willson as he’s a veteran and figures to play a major role in the offense as a blocker. If he can string together a few catches and maybe a touchdown, it would go a long way in calming any fears about the lackluster position moving forward.
Ziggy Ansah, Defensive End
The Lions have famously not yet recorded a sack yet in the preseason. They are reportedly the only team in the NFL not to do so. Their best chance of breaking that preseason streak is Ansah. Likely to see more opportunities against the Bucs, the 29-year old, who is playing 2018 on the franchise tag, will get his best chance to roar Friday night.
Newcomers
Both Eli Harold and Sterling Moore have recently joined the team in Detroit. Not sure if Harold, the newly traded for former San Francisco 49ers’ linebacker will see any action Friday night. But the Lions could certainly use a spark to their pass rush.
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As for Moore, the veteran cornerback’s experience playing for Matt Patricia in New England could give him the edge to make the Lions 53-man roster. A solid debut performance could go a long way in securing his place in Motown.