The Detroit Lions are looking to bounce back from a 30-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs as they'll face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night. The Lions have been very successful responding to losses, having won their last 11 games following a defeat.
The Lions will look to keep that streak alive and improve to 5-2 on the season against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that gave Detroit one of their two losses in the regular season in 2024.
Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield will look to have the same success that he did a year ago against the Lions, but who are some of the other players on Tampa Bay that Detroit will need to plan for?
Tykee Smith, S
In last season's week 2 20-16 win over the Lions at Ford Field, the Buccaneers defense forced Detroit quarterback Jared Goff to throw two interceptions and only complete 61.8 percent of his passes. The Buccaneers' defense has similar success to that they did last season against the Lions, which will be a huge factor in Tampa Bay's chances of going on the road and beating the Lions again.
One of the players on the Buccaneers' defense who looks to have a huge impact is safety Tykee Smith. The second-year safety out of Georgia has taken a huge step forward from his rookie season as he leads the Buccaneers defense in tackles with a total of 45 through six games.
Last season, Smith had a total of 54 in 13 games for the Buccaneers. Smith has also recorded one sack and a fumble recovery this season for the Buccaneers. Smith's ability to be disruptive and force turnovers on defense will be a huge benefit for the Buccaneers on Monday night.
Mike Evans, WR
Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans returned to practice on Thursday after being out the last three games with a hamstring injury. Evans is expected to be ready to play against the Lions on Monday, despite missing practice on Friday.
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The Buccaneers want Evans in the best shape to be ready today, as he could create problems for the Lions' secondary. Evans last played in the Buccaneers' week 3 29-27 win against the New York Jets. In three games this season, Evans has made 14 catches for 140 yards and one touchdown.
Getting Evans back for Monday night's matchup against the Lions is huge for the Buccaneers' offense, as they've been dealing with injuries at both wide receiver and running back. Rooke wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is expected not to play against the Lions after suffering a hamstring injury, and running back Bucky Irving is doubtful, dealing with injuries in his shoulder and foot.
SirVocea Dennis, LB
Linebacker SirVocea Dennis is another player on the Buccaneers' defense that the Lions will need to plan for. Dennis has also been one of the leaders on defense this season for Tampa Bay. The third-year linebacker out of Pittsburgh has made 40 total tackles for the Buccaneers in six games this season.
In last season's win against the Lions, Dennis led the Buccaneers with 11 total tackles. Dennis is looking to have a similar impact on defense for the Buccaneers on Monday night against the Lions. Dennis has recorded seven or more tackles in the Buccaneers' last three games against the 49ers, Seahawks, and Jets.