Bucs-Lions scouting report

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER, Times Staff Writer
Published October 21, 2007

The basics

The Lions are going to throw the ball - a lot.

Okay, so maybe everyone already knows it. But the Lions don't care. They're going to throw early and often, having started three of their five games in three-receiver sets.

Although coach Rod Marinelli talked in recent days about wanting to have a balanced offensive approach, the Lions have been anything but balanced. They have passed nearly twice as much as they've run, with 191 pass attempts compared with 97 rushes.

With a lineup of receivers that includes Roy Williams, No. 2 overall pick Calvin Johnson and Mike Furrey, quarterback Jon Kitna has a plethora of options. That's part of the reason Kitna is sixth in the NFL in passing yards per game with 266.6.

This game will test a Bucs defense that has been consistent against the pass, at least in the secondary. The big test, however, will come up front, where the Bucs have lacked any semblance of a consistent pass rush.

But this game is full of opportunity. Although Kitna has put up big numbers, he has been sacked more than any quarterback, having been taken down 25 times. The Lions have given up an NFL-high 28 sacks. A big decision for the Bucs will be whether and how often to blitz. The Lions employ a quick-release passing game under offensive coordinator Mike Martz, someone Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin has game planned against many times.

On defense, the Lions have shown themselves to be quite vulnerable. Yielding 31 points per game to opponents, they have been burned for point totals of 56 against the Eagles and 34 against the Redskins. That has dropped Detroit to second to last in the league in scoring defense, with only Cincinnati (31.2 ppg) ranked lower.

The fundamental problem is that the defensive personnel have not caught up to the offensive talent on this team. But there are a couple of standouts to watch for, beginning with star weakside linebacker Ernie Sims. He leads the Lions with 44 tackles.

The Lions have a stout pair of defensive tackles in Cory Redding and Shaun Rogers, who will make it tough for Tampa Bay to get its underperforming running attack untracked. And former Buc defensive end Dewayne White has posted 19 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception.

Injuries

Bucs: DE Patrick Chukwurah (shoulder) and RB Michael Pittman (ankle) are out. DE Gaines Adams (chest), CB Brian Kelly (groin) and TE Alex Smith (ankle) are questionable.

Lions: CB Stanley Wilson (groin), TE Sean McHugh (hand) and CB Keith Smith (ankle) are questionable.

Keep in mind

The Lions are coming off a bye week after suffering a 34-3 loss to Washington two weeks ago. The time off has allowed running back Kevin Jones to heal further after his recent return from a serious foot injury sustained last season. Jones has 91 yards on 24 attempts in three appearances this season, but he is expected to start today. It will be his first start since Dec. 10, 2006.

Key matchup

Lions WR Calvin Johnson vs. Bucs CB Ronde Barber

A recent back injury has prevented Johnson, the No. 2 overall pick in 2007, from having the kind of start some predicted. Despite having just 11 catches for 192 yards, Johnson has done so in just four games. And he picks up yards in bunches, with four receptions of 19 yards or longer. The problem Barber (or any other Bucs cornerback) will face against the 6-foot-5, 239-pound Johnson (and any of Detroit's huge receivers) will be the size difference. Barber, for example, stands 5 feet 10 and 184 pounds.

[Last modified October 20, 2007, 18:41:49]