Detroit Lions Gamday Preview: Must Win As Pressure Mounts

By all accounts the Detroit Lions match-up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field is a must win.  After snapping their two game losing streak on Thanksgiving Day the Detroit Lions must keep adding numbers to the win column to keep pace with the red-hot Green Bay Packers.

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That task continues today against the 2-10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers who have been awful this season under head coach Lovie Smith.  But as awful as they have been, Detroit must be careful not to overlook the Bucs. Fans still vividly remember the last Tampa Bay visited Ford Field as an underdog.

In 2013 the Lions were 6-4 and looking to get back on track after a disappointing loss to Pittsburgh on the road when Tamp came calling.  After the dust settled the Lions were 6-5, It was a loss that started a 1-5 finish to the season, causing the Lion miss the playoffs after starting 6-3.

The Lions need to prevent the history from repeating itself this season.  Not only to make the playoffs but to also permanently shed the Same-Ol-Lions moniker.

Detroit Lions Keys To Victory

Take Care Of The Football

Matthew Stafford has been decidedly better at taking care of the football while at home this season. The Lions signal caller has a 66.7% completion rate at home, 12 points higher than on the road.  Stafford will have to continue that trend to lead the Lions to the playoffs and keeping the ball out of the hands of the Tamp defense will be a good place to start.

Keep The Foot On The Gas

The Detroit Lions offense needs to score early and often.  They cannot let the Bucs hang around and give them a chance to break the City of Detroit’s heart with a last second field goal. An early lead will also allow the defensive fron to pin their ears back and get after Josh McCown.

Stay Healthy

The Detroit Lions are finally healthy for the first time in weeks.  They will need all hands on deck for the stretch run and another injury to Calvin Johnson could be devastating.

Detroit Lions V Tampa Bay Buccaneers Game Information

Where: Ford Field

Start Time: 1:00 pm

TV: Fox

Live Stream: Watch NFL Live