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

By Jamil King

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) /
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ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 24: Carlton Davis #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after making an interception during the second half of an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 24: Carlton Davis #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after making an interception during the second half of an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

Bucs’ secondary vs. Kenny Golladay

Over the past few weeks, this young secondary has come alive for the pewter and red. In that span, the Bucs have yet to allow a 100-yard receiving game. Atlanta Falcons’ wide receiver Calvin Ridley three games ago had the most yards in the span with 85, but that is the largest amount we have seen this secondary surrender.

Though they won’t be facing Matthew Stafford, that doesn’t mean that Kenny Golladay is not to be feared by defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. Last week against the Vikings, Golladay managed 58 yards and a score on the purple people eaters; on Thanksgiving against the Bears, though he managed a massive 158 yards and a score on four catches.

Golladay will represent the biggest challenge the Bucs back-line will face so far during their winning streak; he is ninth in receiving yards, and first in touchdowns in the league. His size could cause problems for the Bucs as, outside of Jamel Dean, they are a rather small group.

Carlton Davis has been the team’s best corner, but he has had his share of ups and downs; one play he is beat downfield and the next he’s knocking away a touchdown. In ways, he has been the Jameis Winston of the secondary to an extent. Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean have been solid behind Carlton Davis, and both rookies should be looking forward to the challenge.

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