Lions’ grades from playoff win over Tampa Bay: Unsung heroes, stars prove valuable

In the second half of an NFL divisional round playoff football game on Sunday, January 21, 2024, in Detroit, Detroit Lions rushing back Jahmyr Gibbs (age 26) rushes at Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (age 35).

The Detroit Lions can get to the Super Bowl with just one victory.

With several standout performances, the Lions defeated the Tampa Bay Bucs 31–23 to make their first–ever trip to the NFC Championship game.

 

With just one victory, the Detroit Lions can advance to the Super Bowl.

The Lions advanced to their first-ever NFC Championship game by defeating the Tampa Bay Bucs 31–23 thanks to a number of outstanding performances.

Here are grades for each position group based on performance in Detroit’s Divisional Round win:

Quarterbacks: A

Goff and the offense got off to a poor start, scoring only 10 points in the first half. Specifically, he was fortunate to have Jamal Dean intercept a sure pass in the end zone. That made it possible for the Lions to score on their opening possession in the red zone—a field goal.

In the second quarter, he hit Josh Reynolds nicely for a touchdown, but on the team’s last possession of the half, he was tackled for a loss on a third-and-1, which kept them from scoring.

His characteristic precision was on full display in the second half. Once again, he led the offense to three touchdowns in a row while playing clean football. For a score in the fourth quarter, he executed a flawless fade route to St. Brown.

The veteran finished 30-for-43 for 287 yards and two scores. Now, Goff has the Lions within one win of their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.

Running backs: B

Throughout the first half, the Lions found it challenging to stay on the ground due to Tampa Bay’s robust defensive line. David Montgomery gained just 33 yards on 10 carries during his quiet afternoon.

Jahmyr Gibbs had a tremendous fourth quarter after playing little in the first half. During a five-play, 75-yard drive, he carried the ball four times. On a 31-yard scoring run, he delivered the exclamation point with a quick burst of speed.

On nine carries, Gibbs finished with a game-high 74 rushing yards, and on four catches, he added 40 receiving yards. He also converted a third down with a great blitz pickup.

When the Lions faced a fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, they unexpectedly decided to go with Craig Reynolds. However, the

Wide receivers: A

Amon-Ra St. Brown had many significant plays even though he was limited to less than 100 yards for the first time since Week 17. The wide receiver connected with QB on a fade route, catching eight catches for 77 yards and a touchdown.

Josh Reynolds caught two touchdown passes, the first going for nine yards. Gibbs had an 18-yard reception that helped set up the score on Gibbs’ touchdown drive.

Jameson Williams also contributed two catches for 35 yards, including a smartly timed comeback route that allowed him to hold onto the ball after taking a significant hit.

Tight ends: A

With nine catches throughout the game on Sunday, Sam LaPorta had a huge influence. The rookie converted several first downs for the offense and has since established himself as Goff’s safety blanket.

Additionally, Brock Wright ignited a brilliant play that offensive coordinator Ben Johnson called. As all eyes were focused on one side of the field, Wright slipped past and scored 29 yards on his lone reception.

With Wright sidelined due to an injury, the Lions may have to rely more on Anthony Firkser in the NFC Championship game next week. Three-time Pro Bowl player Zach Ertz is another possible choice, as is fullback Jason Cabinda, who caught one pass.

Offensive line: B+

Due to injuries to Frank Ragnow and Jonah Jackson, the offensive line was severely tested in the first half. Due to a knee issue, Jackson was ruled out and, like Wright, is questionable for next week. Kayode Awosika took his position.

Despite his difficulties, Ragnow played through them and returned to the game for the last play of the first half. Despite enduring many injuries this season, the veteran persevered on Sunday, providing the crucial block for Craig Reynolds’ touchdown run.

He was again rolled up on the play, but he managed to stay in the game. Ragnow allowed just one pressure on 44 pass-blocking snaps in total.

Penei Sewell launched an early run with a large block, and

Defensive line: B-

After stopping Baker Mayfield with a sack to halt Tampa Bay’s initial drive in the third quarter, Aidan Hutchinson maintained his dominant play. Hutchinson had four quarterback hits in the end.

The Lions relied on different blitzes to get stress on Mayfield outside of their defensive line because James Houston was sidelined. Tyson Alualu came dangerously close to a sack, but Alim McNeill only managed one tackle.

Linebackers: B

Derrick Barnes (who was attending with his two-month-old son for the first time) scored the game-winning basket. With less than two minutes left, the third-year linebacker sealed Detroit’s trip to the NFC championship game by intercepting Baker Mayfield’s last throw, putting the team ahead 31–23.

It was Barnes’ first career interception. Ultimately, the Purdue product totaled four tackles.

Jack Campbell had three aided tackles, and Alex Anzalone had six. In their joint effort to defeat Mayfield, Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Ifeatu Melifonwu both contributed a half-sack.

Secondary: C+

An opponent’s receiver gained more than 100 yards against the Lions secondary for the sixth straight game. Working against Cam Sutton, one of the league’s greatest receivers, Mike Evans, caught five receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown.

Tampa Bay’s last drive of the first half was made possible by two long receptions by Evans, the longest of which was a 29-yard gain that put the Buccaneers at Detroit’s 2.

In other spots, Brian Branch and Ifeatu Melifonwu had easy sack opportunities thanks to defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s inventive blitz packages. Branch finished with one sack and two tackles for loss, while Melifonwu finished with 1.5 sacks.

With nine tackles, Branch and Melifonwu shared the team lead in tackles. On Tampa Bay’s opening drive, C.J. Gardner-Johnson intercepted a ball, which proved to be his

Special teams: B+

The Lions’ drive stopped in the red zone, and Michael Badgley made his lone field goal attempt, a 23-yarder. Jack Fox punted five times, averaging 43.6 yards per punt.

With Kalif Raymond out for the second straight game, punters were handled by Donovan Peoples-Jones. For eighteen yards, he had two returns.

Coaching: A

After leading the Lions to the NFC Championship game for the second time in team history, Dan Campbell produced another unforgettable moment. After Reynolds punched in his rushing touchdown, the third-year coach decided to go for it, which was the proper decision, as they settled for three points on their first trip to the red zone.

Johnson made strange choices to pass the ball close to the goal line, which caused the offense to stall out early. But in the second half, the team clicked and scored three touchdowns in a row.

Mayfield was exposed defensively by Glenn’s distinctive blitzes against rushers who were not blocked. Despite bending, the defense recovered and buckled at crucial times.

The Lions will get another opportunity to create history next. Detroit has never made an appearance.

Get more news on…https://dailysportnews.co.uk/