Buccaneers vs. Lions: 4 matchups to keep an eye on

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: Running back Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is stopped by cornerback Quandre Diggs #28 of the Detroit Lions during a carry in the second quarter of an NFL football game on December 10, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: Running back Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is stopped by cornerback Quandre Diggs #28 of the Detroit Lions during a carry in the second quarter of an NFL football game on December 10, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
2 of 5
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 13: Vita Vea of Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks out prior to the NFL match between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 13: Vita Vea of Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks out prior to the NFL match between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)

David Blough vs. Buccaneers’ front-seven

Aside from his first quarter against the Chicago Bears, Lions’ third string quarterback David Blough has had his share of issues as an NFL signal caller. Last week against the Vikings, he completed just over 50 percent of his passes and didn’t find the endzone until the end of the game in garbage time.

More from The Pewter Plank

Playing the Bears and the Vikings to start your career is no easy task either. This week in the past would be a plus matchup for him, but the pewter and red defense looks to be turning a corner; even based on paper, it looks like a plus matchup right now.

However, with the way the Bucs’ defense has played recently, the ranking does not do them justice. The Bucs will need to get after Blough in this one and make him uncomfortable, but thhat is a specialty for defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. Expect for Bowles to unleash several blitzes at the young quarterback from multiple angles.

Look for Devin White and Lavonte David to be sent into the backfield a lot. Aside from them, the Defensive line will also be something to watch as Barrett has been a one-man wrecking crew. Since Jason Pierre-Paul has come back, the two have formed an impressive duo with Carl Nassib serving as an excellent rotational piece. The Lions are giving up about three sacks a game this season, but over the last three games, that number has risen to over four.

Schedule