Buccaneers vs Lions: Week 14 game-changing players

Darius Slay

Jameis Winston returned to action on Sunday against Green Bay, coming back with his usual gunslinger style. With that gunslinger style comes an increased chance of turnovers. And if Winston is going to turn the ball over against the Lions, don’t be surprised if Darius Slay is the one behind it. Slay leads Detroit with four interceptions on the year, making plays to get his team off the field. When he’s not straight-up taking the ball away, he’s usually breaking up passes. His fifteen passes defended are tied for third in the entire league.

Must Read: Buccaneers Players Do Amazing Work In The Community

If Slay matches up with Mike Evans, look out. Evans is having a down year (compared to his standards, really), but he still gets the bulk of the targets from whoever is playing quarterback for Tampa Bay. His targets seem to go up with Winston under center, and for good reason. The two have a strong connection that has developed well over the last three years, one that was deemed one of the top threats in the league coming into 2017. But who will be there to break that up this Sunday? Most likely Slay.

The Mississippi State product will be someone who can make a splash play or two this Sunday and if he does, the Buccaneers could be facing a long day. Tampa Bay’s defense continues to put pressure on the offense. If that continues on Sunday and Slay has a big day locking down the passing game, the Bucs will be looking at a third straight loss.