Lions Will 'Need Everybody' to Move the Football on Bucs' Defense

Lions are facing 'championship level' NFL defense.

The Detroit Lions are aware they are facing one of the top defenses in the National Football League. 

While the Buccaneers' run defense is quite stout, Detroit will not shy away from attempting to establish the run, especially with an offensive line unit that is playing confidently and is relatively healthy. 

In 2023, Todd Bowles' defense has only given up 150 rushing yards on three occasions. 

Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed that while establishing the run in this week's divisional matchup is key, the entire offense must contribute against an opponent which has a defense playing this well. 

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"Yeah, well yeah, we’ve loved what (David) Montgomery and (Jahmyr) Gibbs have done. And, they’re a vital piece of the production that we’ve had on offense," said Campbell. "They both bring something different to the table, and I would say the vision that we had is – this is where it’s coming and it’s showing up. So, we are. We’re going to need to be able to get those guys involved. But, I think this is one of those games, you’re going to need everybody. You really are. 

"And, we’re going to need to be able to run it, get it in the hands of those guys. But, I mean, (Amon-Ra) St. Brown’s got to be big for us. Josh Reynolds has got to be big for us. (Sam) LaPorta’s got to be big for us. This is going to take everybody to move the football against this defense," Campbell explained further. "This is a championship defense we’re getting ready to face. This is one of the best ones in the league. It was when we faced them the first time, and it still is.”

Gibbs, the Detroit rookie running back, did not suit up in Week 6, as he was working his way back from injury. 

"I think it’ll be very important (to establish the ground game). I think the O-line has a chip on their shoulder from that last game, cause we could have done better," said Gibbs. "We have a standard to hold, so I think we’re going to live up to it."