The Detroit Lions are gearing up for their Monday Night Football battle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — but there’s one major concern hanging over this matchup: the secondary is looking dangerously thin.
With key defensive backs battling injuries and others struggling for consistency, the Lions could be entering this primetime clash a little more vulnerable than usual. Opponents have started taking note, too — and with Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans heating up, this could spell trouble if Detroit doesn’t tighten up its coverage.
Head coach Dan Campbell hasn’t shown any panic, though. In true Campbell fashion, he’s keeping the focus on “next man up” — trusting that his younger players can step into the spotlight and deliver. Brian Branch’s absence has been a big blow, but the team is counting on names like Kerby Joseph and Ifetu Melifonwu to rise to the occasion.
Despite the worries, there’s still plenty of optimism in Detroit. The front seven — led by Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill — has been ferocious, and if they keep up the pressure, that could help mask some of the secondary’s woes.
The bottom line? This Monday night test isn’t just another game. It’s a statement opportunity — a chance for Detroit’s defense to prove it can bend, but never break.
Detroit Lions’ Secondary in Trouble? Depth Concerns Loom Large Ahead of Monday Night Showdown
