Buccaneers’ keys to victory over Lions in Week 14

At 4-8, the Buccaneers are out of the playoffs. Even if not mathematically. It’s done. Right now, the team is playing for pride, to prove their value for 2018 and beyond, and perhaps as an audition for their next head coach.

More on the last one at a later time, but for now, let’s focus on the pride of the Buccaneers.

Understand, this is a profession like any other. Some of them are there for the glory and to make an impact in their field. Others, just want the money and recognition and to be left well enough alone.

Fair enough. For those who have some sort of ego investment into what they do every Sunday, some Thursdays, some Mondays, and if they’re lucky on a couple Saturdays after the New Year; this goes beyond stats and paychecks.

Those are nice but the feeling of finishing a year strong, even a disappointing one, can help provide fuel for off-season workouts and give veterans a much needed initial push into training camp.

One more quarter is left to play in the 2017 NFL season. It’s up to the Bucs players to finish strong, or go out with a whimper.

They’ve already been labeled as biggest letdowns, busts, and even quitters by some fans and media. An opportunity to reverse some of those labels is at hand.

What does the team need to do to make the last quarter, the best Buccaneers quarter of 2017? It all starts by getting Detroit ready.

Here are the keys to a Week 14 victory for the Tampa Bay Bucs.