The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions had an exciting matchup in the NFC Divisional Round with the Lions coming out on top. Here are three key takeaways from the game.
After a tight game against the Los Angeles Rams, the Detroit Lions were able to keep their playoff hopes alive with a victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The win has catapulted the Lions into the NFC Championship Game, which is something they haven’t been able to accomplish in decades.
While the Lions were able to defeat the Buccaneers, they will have the tough task of facing the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game. As the Lions get ready for their big showdown in the NFC Championship Game, here are three takeaways from the win against the Bucs.
Goff shines
After beating his former team, Jared Goff was able to continue his strong play in the playoffs with another win against the Bucs. Goff was able to go toe-to-toe with Matthew Stafford, and now he did the same against Baker Mayfield.
In the win, Goff totaled 287 passing yards and two passing touchdowns. Goff continues to prove that he is a very good quarterback in the league and is leading the Lions into uncharted waters. While he may not have got it done with the Rams, that experience is helping him now.
The Bucs need to pay Baker
While the Bucs may not have beaten the Lions, they have seen that Mayfield is the quarterback of the future for the franchise. After taking a chance on him in the offseason, Mayfield has more than proved himself with a strong regular season and winning a game in the playoffs.
Replacing Tom Brady looked to be a difficult task for the Bucs after he retired last season, but Mayfield has stepped in and proven that he is an above-average starting quarterback in the league. Now, the Bucs need to make sure they keep him around.
Lions look legit
In the win, the Lions once again were able to prove themselves in a big moment. This team was expected to improve this season, but their jump appears to have propelled them into the conversation of being a Super Bowl contender.
With a balanced attack on offense and a pretty solid defense overall, the Lions are just one win away from the Super Bowl. After seeing the 49ers struggle for most of the game against the Green Bay Packers, the Lions can certainly hang with the 49ers.
It would be a great story to see the Lions continue this run, as it has been a franchise that has struggled for many years. With a great coach in Dan Campbell, there is no reason to think the Lions won’t be prepared for the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.
