Buccaneers vs. Lions: 3 things to watch for
By Ryan Doyle
The Buccaneers will host their first game of the preseason against the Detroit Lions. With the starters on the field for likely the entire first half, it will be a sneak peek of the 2018 Bucs.
In what will be the rehearsal for the regular season opener, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will need to show some life with a daunting schedule to open up the season.
Although Tampa Bay won its first two preseason games, the third game is the real test of the preseason. The starters will be on the field for the entire first half, and they will look to use this game to enter the regular season on a high note.
Last week, it was tough sledding for Ryan Fitzpatrick. His accuracy issues took center stage due to the tremendous performances from Jameis Winston and Ryan Griffin.
This week could be the perfect bounce-back game for Fitzpatrick, who could boost the confidence of the offense, coaching staff and fan base with the season opener against New Orleans a few weeks away.
On the other side of the football, it’ll be the best look yet at the reconstructed Tampa Bay defense. The Buccaneers defense has been the team’s Achilles heel for far too long, and the improved unit has massive expectations.
The defense will be put up to the test with Matthew Stafford and company. In about a half of play, the front seven needs to make its presence felt to try and alleviate the pressure off of a suspect secondary.