Lions' Grades: Defensive Physicality Overwhelms Buccaneers
The Detroit Lions continue to win in different ways, week in and week out.
After a prolific offensive showing last week, the Lions leaned on defensive physicality. All the while, they operated on offense without the comfort of their trademark running game.
Regardless, the Lions moved to 5-1 with a 20-6 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's their fourth win in a row, all coming by double digits.
Here are grades for each position group based on performance in Sunday's game:
Quarterback: A+
Tampa Bay's defensive pressure rattled Goff at points in the first half, as he struggled to connect with receivers with a lack of time in the backfield. However, he and the Lions' offensive staff adjusted their game plan masterfully in the second half.
Without a run game to rely on, the veteran passer demonstrated his best level of football in the final two quarters. He completed 18 passes after halftime for 203 yards and a score, playing mistake-free football.
He looked steady and at ease in piloting the Lions' offense to 10 second half points. His touchdown pass to Williams was a touch underthrown, but his wideout was able to adjust to it.
His connection with Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to be on point, as the two connected 12 times for 124 yards. The third-year wideout continued to be Goff's security blanket, converting a number of third downs including a 27-yard touchdown.
Goff now has 11 touchdown passes against three interceptions and has gone two straight games without turning the ball over.
Running back: B
David Montgomery had a quiet first quarter before leaving the game in the second with a rib injury. X-rays returned negative, but more details remain to be announced about the fifth-year back's status.
In his absence, Craig Reynolds assumed the majority of the work. The former undrafted free agent rushed for just 15 yards on 10 carries but made two very impactful plays.
He sprung St. Brown's touchdown with a massive block first, taking out two defenders with a thumping hit. Later, he turned a short pass from Goff into a 28-yard gain.
One area where the back remains to improve is as a pass-blocker. He missed a protection assignment that led to Lavonte David recording a sack on Goff.
With both Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs out of action, the Lions turned to Devine Ozigbo in spot duty. He recorded three carry for five yards and added an eight yard catch.
Wide receivers: A
Amon-Ra St. Brown returned from injury in a big way. He was a big part of the team's game plan and finished with career best marks in both receptions (12) and receiving yards (124).
At one point in the fourth quarter, he caught four straight passes from Goff. Two of those went for first downs.
Jameson Williams also made a significant impact for the first time since returning from suspension. He hauled in two passes, the biggest being a 45-yard touchdown on a third-and-10 for his first touchdown since Week 15 of last season.
Elsewhere, Kalif Raymond and Josh Reynolds provided solid contributions. Raymond had three catches for 23 yards, while Reynolds had three for 50. Veteran Marvin Jones Jr. also had an five yard catch.
Tight ends: B
Sam LaPorta appeared rusty after suffering a calf strain in practice leading up to the game. He recorded four catches for 36 yards on 11 targets but was once again solid as a blocker.
The rookie had a drop, which was uncharacteristic given his sure-handed performance to this point of the season. He did not appear limited by the injury, though. Brock Wright had one catch for seven yards.
Offensive line: B
The Lions were down a key piece of their line, as Jonah Jackson missed Sunday's game with an injury. Kayode Awosika filled in and held his own against a tough Buccaneers defensive line.
Taylor Decker was penalized for a false start but was otherwise solid. Penei Sewell, meanwhile, was also penalized but had a very solid block on Craig Reynolds' screen play that went for a big gain.
The unit did a good job of neutralizing Vita Vea's impact in the pass rush but struggled to create running lanes. Yet, their physicality helped wear down the Tampa Bay defense as the game progressed.
Defensive line: A-
The Lions once again held an opponent under 100 yards rushing as a team, extending their streak to eight games dating back to last season. The pass rush recorded just one sack, but made plenty an impact on the mobile Baker Mayfield.
Aidan Hutchinson recorded three tackles but was held without a sack for the first time since Week 2. Julian Okwara recorded the lone sack and also broke up a screen pass.
Charles Harris blew up a blocker on a run play in the first half, leading to an Alex Anzalone tackle for loss. Isaiah Buggs made a big play early in the game, deflecting a pass that Will Harris intercepted. His effort saved a secondary breakdown.
Linebackers: B+
Anzalone has developed into a legitimate defensive star since arriving in Detroit three seasons ago. He led the team in tackles once again and added two pass breakups.
Jack Campbell got his second career start and looked the part of a developing rookie. There were lapses in his zone coverage, but he recorded seven tackles and appeared to be growing comfortable within the defense.
Secondary: B
The Lions had multiple breakdowns in the secondary but rebounded nicely. They ultimately helped keep their opponent out of the end zone for the second time in the season's first six games.
Will Harris forced his second turnover in as many weeks, picking off a deflected pass. Cam Sutton nearly came down with an interception of his own but failed to hold on.
Jerry Jacobs recorded a pass breakup, while Kerby Joseph had two. Tracy Walker had a big hit that forced an incompletion in the fourth quarter.
Special teams: B
Jack Fox played his role nicely Sunday, dropping two punts inside the 20-yard line including one at Tampa Bay's 2-yard line. Riley Patterson, meanwhile, missed from 52 for his first missed kick of the season but converted on two other opportunities.
Kalif Raymond made a pair of puzzling decisions on punt returns. Both times, he elected to track and catch punts from inside his own five. However, he was able to get decent returns on both.
Khalil Dorsey, fresh off injured reserve, had Detroit's only kick return attempt of the evening.
Coaching: A
The Lions are playing at an elite level through six games in 2023. Dan Campbell has the team humming in all three phases of the game. Both the offense and defense are built on physicality, which is emblematic of the identity he's been building since arriving in 2021.
In particular, Aaron Glenn's defense has stood out. They have now held both the Falcons and Buccaneers without scores, a massive improvement from the past two campaigns.
Though offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's unit lacked its usual flair, they were effective in physically dominating their opponent. Losing Montgomery hurt, but Johnson compromised by relying more on their short passing game.
With Williams entering the fold and making an impact, the Lions' offense has the potential to be dangerous. As a result, look for Johnson and company to continue their efficiency as the weeks progress.
