Buccaneers: Detroit Lions Players to Watch

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 23: Marvin Jones
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 23: Marvin Jones
3 of 4
DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 18: Cornerback Darius Slay of the Detroit Lions reacts after a defensive stop against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter of the NFL game at Ford Field on October 18, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Bears 37-34 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 18: Cornerback Darius Slay of the Detroit Lions reacts after a defensive stop against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter of the NFL game at Ford Field on October 18, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Bears 37-34 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Cornerback Darius Slay and Safety Glover Quin

The Lions secondary is not recognized as one of the best in the league, however, these two will have something to say about that. Currently, Darrius Slay has the most votes for an NFC cornerback for the Pro Bowl. He currently leads the NFC in interceptions, with four, and has held quarterbacks to a QBR of 67.5 when targeting him, 11th best in the league. Slay would be the first Lions cornerback selected to the Pro Bowl since Dre’ Bly back in 2004. He will be going against Mike Evans this week who has yet to put up 100 receiving yards in a game this season. While he has Winston back, Evans only had two catches for 33 yards against the woeful Packers secondary. Against top tier corners, Evans isn’t putting up the numbers a top receiver in the league should. It may be because of the inconsistencies at quarterback but he managed to perform better with Josh McCown throwing him the ball.

Even if Evans gets by Darius Slay the Lions have ball hawk Glover Quin right behind him. With one less interception than Slay that gives the duo seven interceptions this season, most by any two players in the NFC. Quin also plays well against tight ends, which will be key against Tampa’s duo. The Bucs passing attack will have to stay away from these two guys if they want to win the turnover battle this week.

Schedule