By Moses Joshua 
Detroit aims to avoid consecutive losses — and head into their bye week with confidence restored.
A Crucial Moment Before the Bye
The Detroit Lions enter Monday Night Football with more than just a win on the line — they’re fighting to preserve momentum and avoid their first back-to-back losses since 2022. With their bye week looming, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
A victory over the 5-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers would send Detroit into their week of rest with renewed confidence and control over their NFC North campaign. A loss, however, would leave the locker room filled with doubts and silence during a long, uncomfortable break.
But the challenge won’t be easy. Tampa Bay, led by an MVP-caliber Baker Mayfield, is red-hot and already boasts a win over Detroit from last season. Still, even with the Buccaneers’ current surge, the Lions have a clear blueprint for success — and it starts in the trenches.
1. Win the Ground Battle
The Lions’ rushing duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery remains the heartbeat of Detroit’s offense. When both are healthy and clicking, the offense becomes nearly unstoppable — balancing explosive speed and punishing power. Detroit currently averages 128.7 rushing yards per game, a number that sets the tone for their entire offensive rhythm.
Tampa Bay, meanwhile, averages just over 109 rushing yards per game and could be without Bucky Irving, one of their primary backfield weapons. That imbalance gives Detroit a golden opportunity.
If Taylor Decker is fully healthy and the offensive line can open lanes, the Lions can control the tempo and keep Mayfield off the field — precisely what head coach Dan Campbell wants.
2. Force the Unthinkable: Turnovers from Baker Mayfield
Mayfield has been nearly flawless this season, throwing just one interception through six games. But there’s a crack in the armor — four fumbles that highlight his aggressive style and tendency to extend plays longer than he should.
That’s where Aidan Hutchinson comes in. The Lions’ star edge rusher has made forcing fumbles an art form, relentlessly targeting the ball every time he closes in on a quarterback.
If Hutchinson can beat Tristan Wirfs off the edge and the defense collapses the pocket, Detroit could finally break through against one of the league’s most elusive passers. For a team still searching for consistent takeaways, this is their best chance to flip the field and the momentum.
3. Limit Big Plays and Stay Disciplined in Coverage
Tampa Bay isn’t a traditional big-play offense, but Baker Mayfield’s arm can still burn defenses when given time. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Mayfield ranks fourth in average air yard differential, meaning he often attempts deeper passes than those he completes — a risk-reward formula that Detroit must exploit.
The Lions’ secondary, however, has been inconsistent without D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold. The team has allowed over 212 passing yards per game, and Week 6’s missteps against Patrick Mahomes exposed their vulnerability in zone coverage.
To succeed, Detroit’s linebackers must communicate better and avoid leaving Brian Branch on an island against deep threats. Keeping plays in front of them will be critical, especially against Mayfield’s improvisational tendencies.
The Bottom Line
The formula is simple, but execution will define everything: dominate the ground, pressure Mayfield, and stay disciplined downfield.
If Detroit can do those three things, they’ll not only reclaim their swagger but head into the bye week with the kind of momentum that championship teams build on.
Lose, however — and those familiar doubts start to creep back in.
Monday night isn’t just another game for the Lions. It’s a test of resolve, readiness, and the ability to bounce back when it matters most.