Buccaneers vs Lions: Week 14 game-changing players

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Players warm up prior to kick-off between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Jets on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Players warm up prior to kick-off between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Jets on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 23: Marvin Jones #11 of the Detroit Lions celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on November 23, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 23: Marvin Jones #11 of the Detroit Lions celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on November 23, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Marvin Jones

Two weeks ago, the Bucs were steamrolled by Julio Jones in Atlanta. If they can’t figure out a better scheme this week, they could be in for similar issues against Detroit’s Marvin Jones. Jones has emerged as a major force for the Lions this year. At this point in the season, he has 48 catches for 821 yards and eight touchdowns. He ranks fourth in the NFL in yards per reception (17.1), which is a dangerous recipe for a Buccaneer defense that is susceptible to big plays. If the secondary doesn’t show up, it’ll be a long day.

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Back in Atlanta, Tampa Bay couldn’t figure out a way to stop one of the NFL’s top receivers. After the game, he said that the Bucs failed to make adjustments, so they just kept throwing the ball. On the other side, defensive coordinator Mike Smith admitted that his game plan was not a good one. Well, he better have a solid one this week or we’re going to get a repeat of what happened against the Falcons, this time from a different Jones.

Brent Grimes, undoubtedly Tampa Bay’s best defender, needs to stick on Jones. Smith said they weren’t putting Grimes on Julio two weeks ago because of how much Julio moves around. I understand that Grimes doesn’t flip sides all that often, but adjustments have to be made, no? The Bucs need to figure something out or else the Lions will bury them on Sunday.