<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-malcolm-rodriguez-target-date-return-knee-injury');   ga('set', 'title', 'Lions’ Malcolm Rodriguez gets target date for return from knee injury');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Aaron-Glenn-leaving-the-field.jpg"><figcaption>Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK </figcaption></figure><h1>Lions’ Malcolm Rodriguez gets target date for return from knee injury</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-27T12:42:42-07:00">October 27th, 12:42pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-27T12:42:42-07:00">October 27th, 12:42pm</time><address><a>Jayesh Pagar</a>Jayesh Pagar is currently pursuing Sports Journalism from the London School of Journalism and brings four years of experience in sports media coverage. He has contributed extensively to NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and college football content, delivering in-depth analysis and breaking news coverage across multiple platforms.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Lions</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Detroit Lions are getting reinforcements at linebacker as Malcolm Rodriguez prepares to return from an ACL injury that ended his 2024 season. The 5-11, 234-pound <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-malcolm-rodriguez-season-ending-injury-bears">defender tore his ACL on Thanksgiving against the Chicago Bears</a> and has spent nearly a year working his way back.</p><p>The Lions are designating Rodriguez <a href="https://x.com/Schultz_Report/status/1982846448090902553" rel="noopener">to return from injured reserve</a>, and he’ll begin practicing this week, as per NFL insider Jordan Schultz on X.</p><p>“Reinforcements are on the way for the Detroit Lions who, according to sources, are opening the practice window for linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez,” Schultz said in a video post. “He tore his ACL last November. He is targeting a mid-November return. This is a big addition for the Lions.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sources: The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lions</a> are designating LB Malcolm Rodriguez to return from IR, and he’ll begin practicing this week.</p><p>“Rodrigo” is coming back from a torn ACL suffered last season. He is poised to play a key role in DC Kelvin Sheppard’s defense down the stretch. <a href="https://t.co/pqcD7mtFbH">pic.twitter.com/pqcD7mtFbH</a></p><p>— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) <a href="https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1982826125589188692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>The injury happened on Thanksgiving last year during Detroit’s 23-20 win over Chicago. Rodriguez went down with an ACL injury to his right knee, and an MRI the next day confirmed the worst fears.</p><p>Rodriguez underwent surgery, followed by an offseason cleanup procedure to address scar tissue. The additional surgery slightly delayed his return timeline, pushing it into midseason rather than the start of the 2025 campaign.</p><p>Detroit has now opened its 21-day practice window, which allows Rodriguez to work with the team while coaches evaluate his readiness. If everything goes smoothly this week, he’ll likely be activated for the Week 11 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.</p><p>Before the injury, Rodriguez <a href="https://www.espn.in/nfl/player/stats/_/id/4241411/malcolm-rodriguez" rel="noopener">appeared in 10 games</a> with six starts in 2024, recording 43 tackles and two sacks. He also contributed on special teams throughout his career.</p><p>Schultz noted that Rodriguez’s special teams prowess makes him a favorite of head coach Dan Campbell. The Lions currently sit at 5-2 and <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2025/opp.htm#all_team_stats" rel="noopener">rank ninth in total defense</a>. Rodriguez will slot into a linebacker rotation featuring Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, and Derrick Barnes under defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-lions-add-ex-pro-bowl-linebacker-after-malcolm-rodriguez-injury">Detroit added veteran Kwon Alexander for depth</a> after Rodriguez went down last season. His return gives the Lions another physical defender as they push for a playoff spot in the competitive NFC North.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Lions’ Malcolm Rodriguez gets target date for return from knee injury

ClutchPoints’ NFL Power Rankings, Week 9: Bills, Packers cruise as Jets win first

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/nfl-stories/nfl-rumors-ravens-colts-lions-rams-making-trade-calls-same-position');   ga('set', 'title', 'NFL rumors: Ravens, Colts, Lions, Rams all making trade calls for same position');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Ravens-Colts-Lions-Rams-all-making-trade-calls-for-same-position.jpg"></figure><h1>NFL rumors: Ravens, Colts, Lions, Rams all making trade calls for same position</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-26T10:32:40-07:00">October 26th, 10:32am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-26T10:32:40-07:00">October 26th, 10:32am</time><address><a>Ben Strauss</a>Ben Strauss is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He is a die-hard NFL fan who cheers for the Detroit Lions. He has previously written fantasy football content for IDPGuys and ImportantNonsense.com.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Baltimore Ravens</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The 2025 NFL trade deadline is fast approaching. Teams have until November 4th to strike any finals deals with one another for the rest of the season. That <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/nfl-rumors-jets-titans-getting-bombarded-with-trade-calls">gives rebuilding teams an opportunity to shed players</a> and gain future picks, while <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/eagles-perfect-offer-trey-hendrickson-bengals-nfl-trade-deadline">contenders can add final pieces</a> ahead of their playoff runs.</p><p>NFL teams should be incredibly active ahead of this season’s trade deadline. And one position seems to be particularly in demand.</p><p>The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on Saturday that <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6747218/2025/10/25/nfl-trade-rumors-news-aj-brown-jerry-jones-targets/" rel="noopener">multiple teams are searching for cornerbacks</a> before the trade deadline.</p><p>“The Ravens, Colts, Lions and Rams are making calls for a corner,” Russini wrote on Saturday.</p><p>All four teams have been dealt some significant injuries in their secondaries. It is no surprise that they are exploring the trade market.</p><p>Los Angeles is missing Akhello <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/los-angeles-rams/rams-news-ahkello-witherspoon-breaks-clavicle-in-win-over-titans">Witherspoon, who broke his clavicle</a> and is now on injured reserve. Baltimore is in a similar position, with Jaire Alexander and Ar’Darius Washington both injured.</p><p>As for the Colts, they are without both Charvarius Ward and Jaylon Jones, both of whom are on injured reserve.</p><p>Meanwhile, the Lions could be in the worst situation of the bunch. Detroit’s entire secondary starting secondary missed their last game against Tampa Bay. They may be getting multiple players back after their bye week, but are still exploring the trade market.</p><h2><b>Which cornerbacks around the NFL could be on the trade block?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Michael-Carter-II-2.jpg"><figcaption>Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>But which cornerbacks should be available at the trade deadline?</p><p>There are a few intriguing names who could make sense for contending teams.</p><p>The most <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-york-jets/jets-rumors-player-more-likely-traded-than-breece-hall">likely option could be Jets cornerback Michael Carter II</a>. He is rumored to be much more likely to be traded than his teammate <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-breece-hall-the-hottest-name-on-rb-trade-market">Breece Hall, who has also generated plenty of buzz</a>.</p><p>“The Jets are a target for teams, as well. Running back Breece Hall has gotten the headlines, but there appears to be more of a chance that a defender like cornerback Michael Carter II could be dealt,” Rapoport wrote before Week 7.</p><p>Carter is still young at 26 years old and is <a href="https://overthecap.com/player/michael-carter-ii/9618" rel="noopener">under contract through the 2027 season</a>.</p><p>Other cornerbacks potentially on the block include Trevon Diggs, Riq Woolen and Joshua Williams.</p><p>It will be fascinating to see which plays end up getting moved before November 4th.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NFL rumors: Ravens, Colts, Lions, Rams all making trade calls for same position

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-why-rachaad-white-was-fined-46371-vs-lions');   ga('set', 'title', 'Why Buccaneers’ Rachaad White was fined $46,371 in Week 7 vs. Lions');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Rachaad-White-on-Dec-15-2024.jpg"><figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Why Buccaneers’ Rachaad White was fined $46,371 in Week 7 vs. Lions</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-25T14:18:51-07:00">October 25th, 2:18pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-25T14:18:51-07:00">October 25th, 2:18pm</time><address><a>Yago Antunes</a>Yago Antunes is a Brazilian journalist and writer with experience covering esports, the NFL, NBA, and soccer. He has contributed to online outlets and reported on major international tournaments, building a strong background in sports journalism and digital media while displaying his passion about storytelling and sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Lions</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have relied heavily on running back Rachaad White to bring balance to their offense this season. Back in early September, during the team’s thrilling 20-19 win over the Houston Texans, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-rachaad-white-baker-mayfield-reaction">White’s emotional three-word reaction after scoring the game-winning touchdown</a> went viral.</p><p>Following Baker Mayfield’s clutch fourth-down scramble, White capped off the drive with a two-yard rushing score and shouted, “Thank you, God.” It was a moment that encapsulated both his determination and gratitude as Tampa Bay opened the season 2-0 under head coach Todd Bowles.</p><p>Fast forward to Week 7, and White is once again in the headlines, but this time, for a very different reason. The NFL fined the Buccaneers running back $46,371 for a dangerous play during Monday night’s game against the Detroit Lions.</p><p>According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, “The NFL fined #Bucs RB Rachaad White $46,371 for use of the helmet on this play Monday night.” The play in question occurred during a run where White lowered his head before contact, <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1982177904894083424" rel="noopener">making a helmet-to-helmet impact</a> with a Lions defender.</p><p>The hit drew immediate attention for its forceful collision and clear violation of player safety rules.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">The NFL fined <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bucs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bucs</a> RB Rachaad White $46,371 for use of the helmet on this play Monday night. <a href="https://t.co/DJaCqqH42q">pic.twitter.com/DJaCqqH42q</a></p><p>— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1982177904894083424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>While White was not flagged during the game, the postgame review led to the steep fine, one of the largest handed out for that type of infraction this season.</p><p>Despite the setback, White remains a crucial part of Tampa Bay’s offense. He has continued to split carries with rookie Bucky Irving while contributing as a receiver out of the backfield, giving the Buccaneers versatility in both short-yardage and passing situations.</p><p>Meanwhile, quarterback <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-baker-mayfield-off-injury-report-before-week-8-vs-saints">Baker Mayfield received his own positive update this week</a>. After being limited in practice with a knee issue, Mayfield was removed from the injury report ahead of Sunday’s divisional matchup against the New Orleans Saints, per Tom Pelissero. His availability provides much-needed stability for an offense already without Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Bucky Irving.</p><p>Mayfield’s return also keeps Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes alive as they look to stay atop the NFC South. As for White, the fine serves as a reminder of the league’s growing emphasis on safety, but it’s unlikely to change his hard-nosed running style that’s helped define the Buccaneers’ identity this season.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Why Buccaneers’ Rachaad White was fined $46,371 in Week 7 vs. Lions

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/nfl-stories/nfl-week-7-winners-joe-flacco-turns-back-clock-colts-capture-best-record');   ga('set', 'title', 'NFL Week 7 Winners: Joe Flacco turns back the clock, Colts capture best record');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Joe-Flacco-turns-back-the-clock-Colts-capture-best-record.jpg"></figure><h1>NFL Week 7 Winners: Joe Flacco turns back the clock, Colts capture best record</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-21T19:17:56-07:00">October 21st, 7:17pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-21T19:17:56-07:00">October 21st, 7:17pm</time><address><a>Troy Finnegan</a>Troy Finnegan is a Senior Editor, NFL and NCAA Sports Lead at ClutchPoints. He graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2023 with a degree in journalism and minors in communications and sports media, as well as a critical sports studies certificate. He has had a passion for sports his entire life, and enjoys covering and writing about all sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Cincinnati Bengals</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>As the playoff picture starts to take shape after Week 7 of the NFL season, some surprising teams are starting to join the usual suspects at the top of the standings. In an interesting twist, the NFC is the more difficult conference this season as the AFC deals with injuries to some of its top teams, and has a couple of surprising teams at the top.</p><p>One of those teams is the Indianapolis Colts, who are still <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-daniel-jones-insane-milestone-peyton-manning-never-hit">rolling with Daniel Jones at quarterback</a> after a 38-24 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. After one of the most impressive showings of the season, Indy tops our list of big winners from Week 7.</p><h2><b>Colts capture best record in the NFL</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Indianapolis-Colts-safety-Nick-Cross_7a9ab5.jpg"><figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>That’s right, the Indianapolis Colts and Daniel Jones have the best record in the NFL after seven weeks. Those are the same Colts that took plenty of heat when they announced that Jones would start the season over Anthony Richardson. Were they tanking? Punting on Richardson? Neither?</p><p>As it turns out, Shane Steichen and his staff saw something in Jones that the Giants certainly could never unlock, and he is now this year’s quarterback reclamation success story.</p><p>Sunday was supposed to be a big test for this Colts team against a Chargers team that is beat up but still has an elite quarterback and a very good defense. Justin Herbert did what he could behind a battered offensive line, but the Chargers defense was helpless against Jones, Jonathan Taylor and the rest of the Colts offense.</p><p>The Colts finished the week with 0.35 EPA per play, a number that led the league by a wide margin. They also led the league in EPA per rush in Week 7 as Taylor continued to carve up defenses, building his Offensive Player of the Year campaign.</p><p>There are still questions about the Indianapolis defense, but it was able to take advantage of the Chargers’ third-string tackles trying their best to protect Justin Herbert on Sunday. For now, this Colts squad looks like a legitimate Super Bowl contender.</p><h2><b>Lions make a statement to the rest of the NFC</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Lions-news-Detroit-drops-big-Dan-Campbell-primetime-flex-after-Buccaneers-win-2.jpg"><figcaption>Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Baker Mayfield was the talk of the NFL coming into Week 7 after he became one of the MVP frontrunners with his clutch heroics on the way to a 5-1 start for his Buccaneers. Tampa Bay had the chance to cement itself as the class of the NFC on Monday night, but the Lions quickly put a stop to that with a 24-9 victory that felt even more lopsided than the final score.</p><p>Tampa Bay finished with the third-lowest EPA per play of the week (-0.45), ahead of just the Dolphins and the Raiders. That is always bad company to be in, but it was especially bad in Week 7.</p><p>Some people wrote the Lions off after a Week 1 loss to the Packers, but they now appear to be clicking on both sides of the ball, even if it is a little bit more inconsistent than it was last season. The defense was stellar on Monday night against a very good Tampa Bay offense, and it should be getting Terrion Arnold back in the secondary before too long.</p><p>The offense comes and goes, but a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-jahmyr-gibbs-league-of-his-own-blazing-td-runs">couple of Jahmyr Gibbs explosive plays</a> are more than enough to buoy that unit even on a night where it doesn’t have the down-to-down consistency that it does on its best days.</p><p>Now, the Lions are quietly sitting at 5-2 and have one of the best records in football. They will be right in the mix at the top of the NFC throughout the rest of the season.</p><h2><b>Joe Flacco turns back the clock in TNF classic</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Joe-Flacco_5763b0.jpg"><figcaption>Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Just a couple of weeks ago, Joe Flacco was middling about in Cleveland on a terrible Browns team, about to get benched for Dillon Gabriel. Now, he is slinging the rock to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in Cincinnati, and he sure looks to be enjoying himself.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/bengals-news-joe-flacco-not-stutter-nsfw-declaration-seat-warm-joe-burrow">Flacco was spectacular in a Thursday night victory</a> over the Pittsburgh Steelers, completing 31-of-47 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns. 23 of those passes went to Chase, and he caught 16 of them for 161 yards and a score.</p><p>The Bengals even called a designed run for Flacco to pick up a big first down late in the game, and that helped them get a huge 33-31 win to stay in the playoff hunt. Flacco still has about two months left as the Bengals starter before Joe Burrow comes back, and he will have to keep playing like this in order to keep a Cincinnati team with a bad defense and a bad offensive line in order to keep it in the hunt. However, he at least showed that he still has that club in the bag in Week 7.</p><h2><b>The Dak Prescott MVP campaign heats up</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/NFL-Washington-Commanders-at-Dallas-Cowboys.jpg"><figcaption>Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Dak Prescott has quietly been playing some of the best football of his career so far this season, and he has a Cowboys team that doesn’t have a whole lot around him at 3-3-1 through seven weeks. Prescott has long been one of the best pocket passers in the sport, and that has been amplified with the addition of George Pickens this season.</p><p>Dallas also <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys/cowboys-news-ceedee-lamb-emphatically-announces-return-74-yard-td">got CeeDee Lamb back from an ankle injury</a> this week, and the offense exploded in a 44-22 win over the Commanders to move into second place in the NFC East. The Cowboys have one of the best offenses in football and are even running the ball well with Javonte Williams in the backfield, but Prescott is the straw that stirs the drink.</p><p>At this point, Prescott is essentially building the same MVP case that Joe Burrow was last season. The Dallas signal caller is second in the NFL in both passing yards and touchdowns, and he also leads the league in QBR. If this Dallas team, even with its flawed defense, can sneak into the playoffs, Prescott will have as good an MVP case as just about anybody.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NFL Week 7 Winners: Joe Flacco turns back the clock, Colts capture best record

Where Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery rank among best running back tandems in NFL history

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-jahmyr-gibbs-league-of-his-own-blazing-td-runs');   ga('set', 'title', 'Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs in a league of his own with blazing TD runs');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Lions-news-Detroit-drops-big-Dan-Campbell-primetime-flex-after-Buccaneers-win-2.jpg"><figcaption>Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs in a league of his own with blazing TD runs</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-21T07:17:34-07:00">October 21st, 7:17am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-21T07:17:34-07:00">October 21st, 7:17am</time><address><a>Ben Strauss</a>Ben Strauss is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He is a die-hard NFL fan who cheers for the Detroit Lions. He has previously written fantasy football content for IDPGuys and ImportantNonsense.com.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Lions</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Detroit Lions are now 5-2 after getting a huge win on Monday Night Football. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-dan-campbell-shares-honest-assessment-defense-win-over-buccaneers">Detroit beat Tampa Bay 24-9</a> in a dominant defensive effort by both teams. But it was Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs who made the difference and led his team to victory.</p><p>Gibbs <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46665350/detroit-lions-beat-tampa-bay-buccaneers-mnf-mayfield-gibbs" rel="noopener">had an incredible game</a> on Monday night. He proved that he’s one of the fastest backs in the NFL on his longest run of the evening.</p><p>“Gibbs’ top speed was 22.2 mph, the fastest rushing TD by an offensive ball carrier this season, per Next Gen Stats,” ESPN’s Eric Woodyard wrote. “He is the only player over the past three seasons to reach 22 mph on a rushing touchdown, and he has done it twice now, including on a 70-yard touchdown versus the Titans in 2024.”</p><p>Gibbs had 17 carries for 136 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He also added three receptions for 82 yards in the receiving game.</p><p>Detroit has <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-david-montgomery-jahmyr-gibbs-demand-sonic-themed-nickname">thrived with Sonic and Knuckles at running back</a> over the past few years. But Gibbs seems to be completely taking over the backfield under new offensive coordinator John Morton.</p><p>It is hard to argue with that approach, as Gibbs is proving to be one of the best backs in the game.</p><p>Detroit’s offense is built around Gibbs and he continues to reward the team with big games.</p><h2><b>Lions defense dominates Buccaneers despite mountain of injuries</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Baker-Mayfield.jpg"><figcaption>Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Gibbs made the difference for the Lions, but the defense is the real headline after Monday Night Football.</p><p>Detroit’s defense only allowed 251 total yards despite missing their entire starting secondary. The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-brian-branch-suspension-upheld-week-7">Lions were without Brian Branch</a>, Kerby Joseph, D.J. Reed, and Terrion Arnold on top of a handful of reserve players.</p><p>As a result, the Lions were forced to start players like Rock Ya-Sin, Arthur Maulet, Thomas Harper, and Erick Hallett during an important primetime game.</p><p>Those players made the most of the opportunity, clamping down on Tampa’s passing attack and forcing multiple turnovers.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-alim-mcneil-activate-monday-night-footbal-buccaneers">Lions did get Alim McNeill back</a> on the defensive line, and he immediately made his presence felt.</p><p>Detroit enters its bye week, giving them some <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-dan-campbell-exciting-team-update-mnf-success">extra time to get healthy on defense</a>.</p><p>Next up for the Lions is a Week 9 matchup against the Vikings on November 2nd after their bye week.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs in a league of his own with blazing TD runs

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-barry-sanders-eye-opening-message-jahmyr-gibbs-fans-wanting-him-every-game');   ga('set', 'title', 'Lions legend Barry Sanders’ eye-opening message to Jahmyr Gibbs has fans wanting him at every game');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Lions-running-back-Jahmyr-Gibbs-0-walks-back-to-the-locker-room.jpg"><figcaption>David Reginek-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Lions legend Barry Sanders’ eye-opening message to Jahmyr Gibbs has fans wanting him at every game</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-21T06:58:10-07:00">October 21st, 6:58am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-21T06:59:52-07:00">October 21st, 6:59am</time><address><a>Rexwell Villas</a>Rexwell Villas is an experienced sports writer covering a variety of sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college football. He's a Communications Arts graduate from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, and he claims to have JR Smith's conscience with his shot selection. He has won a basketball, a baseball, and a football championship in fantasy all within a year.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Lions</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>After falling prey to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on the road in Week 6, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-dan-campbell-exciting-team-update-mnf-success">Detroit Lions roared back to life</a> and returned to their winning ways on Monday, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-most-blame-humbling-loss-lions-week-7-2025">crushing the Baker Mayfield-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> at Ford Field in Detroit to the tune of a 24-9 score.</p><p>Gibbs was simply sensational against the Buccaneers, who seemingly had no answer for him. The former Alabama Crimson Tide star running back gashed Tampa Bay’s defense for 136 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. A bulk of his total yardage came from just one huge play in the second quarter, where he burned rubber for a career-best 78-yard rushing score that put the Lions ahead, 14-0.</p><p>So good was Gibbs in the Buccaneers game that he earned a shoutout from Detroit legend Barry Sanders, who was also in attendance.</p><p>“I read in @espn today that @Jahmyr_Gibbs1 like to show out when I come to @fordfield I see you young fella,” wrote Sanders on X, formerly Twitter.</p><p>Sanders’ post has led many to express their desire to see more of him in Lions games.</p><p>“We will need you on the sideline for every game going forward please,” <a href="https://x.com/peters8620/status/1980464459966791860" rel="noopener">reacted</a> a fan to Sanders’ post.</p><p>“Please come to every game!” requested another social media user.</p><p>“If that’s all it takes, you’re going to every away road game too, right? Also how about the Defense today!” another <a href="https://x.com/RapidCards/status/1980446942787494369" rel="noopener">commenter shared</a>.</p><p><a href="https://x.com/MrCoolLikeThat/status/1980441418910023901" rel="noopener">From a different fan</a> on X: “Please go to Ford Field every game.”</p><p>“Barry if you know this we better see you at every home game the rest of the season,” one <a href="https://x.com/FlooringYoda/status/1980458736788623812" rel="noopener">said</a>.</p><p>In addition to his exploits on the ground, Gibbs also recorded a total of 82 receiving yards on just three catches and three targets versus the Buccaneers.</p><p>The Lions’ rushing attack is perceived to be a two-headed monster consisting of Gibbs and David Montgomery, but the former undeniably shone the most on Monday. Montgomery rushed 13 times but coughed up just 31 yards on those touches.</p><p>Coming up next for the 5-2 Lions is a bye in Week 8. They will be back in action on Nov. 2 in a Week 9 showdown at home versus NFC North division rivals Minnesota Vikings.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Lions legend Barry Sanders’ eye-opening message to Jahmyr Gibbs has fans wanting him at every game

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-most-blame-humbling-loss-lions-week-7-2025');   ga('set', 'title', 'Buccaneers most to blame for humbling Week 7 loss to Lions');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Buccaneers-most-to-blame-for-humbling-Week-7-loss-to-Lions.jpg"></figure><h1>Buccaneers most to blame for humbling Week 7 loss to Lions</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-21T05:59:43-07:00">October 21st, 5:59am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-21T05:59:43-07:00">October 21st, 5:59am</time><address><a href="http://hoopnut.blogspot.com/">Enzo Flojo</a>Enzo Flojo is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints and a columnist for Asian basketball at FIBA. He brings a dynamic spirit and background, having expertise that spans writing, analytics, coaching, and broadcasting. He is also currently an Assistant Coach on Scouting &amp; Analytics for the Philippine national youth basketball team.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Lions</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered Monday Night Football riding high. They were winners of two straight and boasted one of the NFC’s top records. As such, they looked poised to make a statement against a Detroit Lions team missing several key defensive starters. Instead, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-baker-mayfield-sparks-injury-concern-mnf-loss-lions">they were the ones humbled</a>.</p><h2><b>A harsh reality check in primetime</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Baker-Mayfield.jpg"><figcaption>Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore/_/gameId/401772816">In a 24-9 defeat</a> that was never as close as the score suggested, the Bucs looked flat, unfocused, and overmatched. The offense was sluggish, the defense was inconsistent, and their leaders failed to rise to the moment. Detroit was led by a brilliant 218-yard performance from running back Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions gashed Tampa Bay in every phase. Meanwhile, Baker Mayfield’s MVP buzz fizzled. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-baker-mayfield-message-mike-evans-injury">The injury to Mike Evans</a> added insult to injury, too.</p><p>This was a game the Bucs could have used to prove they belong among the NFC’s elite. Instead, it showed how far they still have to go.</p><h2><b>Bucs undone by inefficiency and injuries</b></h2><p>The Buccaneers fell in a primetime matchup that exposed all their current flaws. The offense, averaging over 27 points per game during their recent winning streak, looked lifeless. Tampa Bay mustered just 269 total yards and nine points. That was their third-lowest output since Baker Mayfield became the starter.</p><p>The defense held early. They forced two turnovers and sacked Jared Goff four times. They couldn’t contain Gibbs, though. The Lions’ dynamic running back torched them for a franchise-record 78-yard touchdown and piled up 218 total yards from scrimmage. Detroit’s balance and physicality kept Tampa Bay guessing all night. Meanwhile, the Bucs failed to establish any rhythm offensively.</p><p>Mayfield’s lone touchdown came on a 22-yard screen to Tez Johnson in the third quarter. That briefly cut the deficit to 14-9. However, after that, Detroit took control. Evans’ concussion and shoulder injury robbed Mayfield of his top target. Without Evans stretching the field, the Bucs became predictable and stagnant.</p><p>By the time the clock hit zero, Tampa Bay’s brief reign atop the NFC had ended. It was replaced by questions about durability, depth, and discipline.</p><p>Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Tampa Bay Buccaneers most to blame for their Week 7 loss to Detroit Lions.</p><h2><b>Baker Mayfield’s MVP dream hits a wall</b></h2><p>Mayfield has been the heartbeat of this team. He has carried them through adversity with guts, grit, and leadership. Against Detroit, though, all that swagger disappeared.</p><p>This should have been a chance to shine under the lights against a banged-up secondary. Instead, he delivered one of his least inspiring performances of the season. He finished 23-of-38 for 228 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The stat line wasn’t disastrous, but the performance felt hollow.</p><p>Mayfield was out of sync with his receivers all night. His timing was off, his pocket presence hesitant, and his decision-making erratic. With Evans sidelined, he forced throws into tight windows that weren’t there. There were no improvisational magic or fourth-quarter fireworks. It’s only one loss, but it’s a significant one for Mayfield’s MVP narrative.</p><h2><b>Jacob Parrish learns a hard lesson</b></h2><p>Jacob Parrish has been a rising name in Tampa Bay’s secondary this season. He has shown flashes of elite coverage ability and physical tackling. Monday night, however, was a reminder that consistency matters just as much as potential.</p><p>Matched up against Detroit’s star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Parrish looked overmatched early. St. Brown racked up 67 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter alone. Mmost of that was at Parrish’s expense. That early score set the tone for the evening and exposed communication breakdowns between Parrish and the safeties.</p><p>Yes, Parrish settled in later. That said, the damage had already been done. Goff kept targeting his side, forcing him to play reactive instead of aggressive. Growing pains are expected, but for a defense that prides itself on precision, his lapses proved costly.</p><p>Parrish will rebound because his talent is undeniable. However, this was a reminder that the NFL’s elite receivers will exploit even the smallest mistakes.</p><h2><b>SirVocea Dennis remains a defensive liability</b></h2><p>Once again, linebacker SirVocea Dennis found himself on the wrong end of highlight reels. His struggles in space continue to haunt the Bucs.</p><p>Dennis’ missed tackles and poor pursuit angles directly contributed to Gibbs’ monster outing. On the 78-yard touchdown run, Dennis bit hard on the fake. That left a massive cutback lane that Gibbs exploited. Later, on several screen plays, Dennis was a step slow. He allowed Detroit to extend drives that should have ended early.</p><p>As a between-the-tackles defender, Dennis holds his own. Still, when forced to cover ground horizontally, the holes in his game become glaring. Right now, Dennis isn’t holding up his end. Tampa Bay’s patience with him may be wearing thin, especially if these lapses continue against top-tier competition.</p><h2><b>Charlie Heck exposed up front</b></h2><p>The offensive line’s issues were a quiet undercurrent heading into this matchup. After Week 8, though, they have become impossible to ignore. Backup right tackle Charlie Heck, who was filling in for the injured Luke Goedeke, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-amon-ra-st-brown-take-detroit-mnf-defense-buccaneers">struggled mightily against Detroit’s front.</a></p><p>Sure, he avoided total collapse. However, Heck allowed consistent pressure on Mayfield’s right side. That forced hurried throws and killed timing-based plays. Detroit’s edge rushers, led by Aidan Hutchinson, exploited Heck’s limited mobility with stunts and inside moves. Even with Tampa Bay scheming extra help through tight ends and backs, the leaks never stopped.</p><p>Heck has filled in admirably at times this year. Still, Monday was a harsh reminder of why depth matters. Against elite pass rushers, backups eventually get exposed. In this case, that exposure helped doom the Bucs’ offense.</p><h2><b>A wake-up call, not a knockout</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Buccaneers-wide-receiver-Mike-Evans-13-tries-to-makes-a-catch.jpg"><figcaption>Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Buccaneers are still a good football team. They’re talented, well-coached, and capable of beating anyone on their best day. Of course, Monday night was not their best day.</p><p>This loss should serve as a reality check. Injuries can’t be an excuse forever, and inconsistency can’t be brushed off as ‘one bad game.’ The Bucs were outplayed, outprepared, and outtoughed by a team missing multiple starters.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Buccaneers most to blame for humbling Week 7 loss to Lions

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-dan-campbell-exciting-team-update-mnf-success');   ga('set', 'title', 'Dan Campbell announces exciting team update following MNF success');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Dan-Campbell.jpg"><figcaption>Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Dan Campbell announces exciting team update following MNF success</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-21T00:58:13-07:00">October 21st, 12:58am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-21T01:21:18-07:00">October 21st, 1:21am</time><address><a>Mike Gianakos</a>Mike Gianakos is the former editor-in-chief of High Times magazine, where he also spearheaded the video department and event production. He is a longtime podcaster and even longer suffering NY Jets fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Lions</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Detroit Lions shut down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7’s NFC heavyweight clash. The Bucs came into the Monday Night Football showdown on a roll. Tampa Bay had scored at least 30 points and racked up at least 352 total yards of offense in back-to-back wins. But the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-dan-campbell-shares-honest-assessment-defense-win-over-buccaneers">Lions’ defense dominated</a>, holding Baker Mayfield and company to nine points on 251 total yards.</p><p>Detroit’s 24-9 win is even more impressive given the team’s banged up secondary. The 5-2 Lions were missing four starters in Week 7. And Dan Campbell expects the team to improve as it gets <a href="https://x.com/nolanbianchi/status/1980467405869707759" rel="noopener">closer to full strength</a>.</p><p>“Good news is, we’re gonna get a lot of players back… that’s encouraging. While we’re only getting better and better, we’re gonna get some of our players back, too,” Campbell said, per The Detroit News’ Nolan Bianchi.</p><h2><b>Dan Campbell expect Lions to improve when injured DBs return</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Joseph-and-Arnold.jpg"><figcaption>Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>While the Lions were missing multiple starters against the Buccaneers, Detroit got a key defender back Monday. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-alim-mcneil-activate-monday-night-footbal-buccaneers">Alim McNeill was activated from IR</a> and made his 2025 debut in Week 7. The veteran DT suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 15 last year.</p><p>McNeill’s presence on the interior of the line should help the Lions better contain the run while opening up additional pass rushing opportunities for DE Aidan Hutchinson.</p><p>Marcus Davenport’s eventual return will also give the D-line a boost. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-marcus-davenport-ir-move-ravens-game">Davenport landed on IR</a> with a pectoral strain prior to Week 3. The veteran defensive end will likely rejoin the team after the Lions’ Week 8 bye.</p><p>However, Detroit was thinnest at defensive back in Monday’s matchup. Safeties Kerby Joseph and Brain Branch both sat in Week 7 against the Bucs. While Kerby has a knee injury, Branch’s absence was self-inflicted.</p><p>The Pro Bowler got into a brawl with JuJu Smith-Schuster after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The melee led to a one-game ban. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-brian-branch-suspension-upheld-week-7">Branch’s Week 7 suspension was upheld</a> after he appealed.</p><p>The Lions’ top two cornerbacks were also sidelined Monday. Terrion Arnold has been out since injuring his shoulder in Week 4. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-terrion-arnold-back-practice-ahead-week-7">Arnold did return to practice</a> recently. The former first-rounder should rejoin the Lions for Week 9’s divisional clash with the Minnesota Vikings.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-dj-reeds-admission-regarding-hamstring-injury">D.J. Reed landed on Injured Reserve</a> after Week 4 with a hamstring strain. The Lions’ free agent addition is first eligible to be activated in Week 10 when Detroit plays the Commanders in Washington.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Dan Campbell announces exciting team update following MNF success

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-dan-campbell-shares-honest-assessment-defense-win-over-buccaneers');   ga('set', 'title', 'Lions’ Dan Campbell shares honest assessment of defense in win over Buccaneers');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Lions1.jpg"><figcaption>Denny Medley-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Lions’ Dan Campbell shares honest assessment of defense in win over Buccaneers</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-20T22:10:01-07:00">October 20th, 10:10pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-20T22:10:01-07:00">October 20th, 10:10pm</time><address><a>Jayesh Pagar</a>Jayesh Pagar is currently pursuing Sports Journalism from the London School of Journalism and brings four years of experience in sports media coverage. He has contributed extensively to NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and college football content, delivering in-depth analysis and breaking news coverage across multiple platforms.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Lions</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Detroit Lions dominated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-9 on Monday Night Football, with their undermanned defense delivering a historic performance at Ford Field <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-detroit-boosts-depth-signing-injury-riddled-secondary">despite missing four starting defensive backs</a>.​</p><p>Head coach Dan Campbell <a href="https://x.com/nolanbianchi/status/1980465323104231749" rel="noopener">heaped praise on defensive coordinator</a> Kelvin Sheppard following the impressive victory. The Lions’ defense held Tampa Bay to just 58 yards in the first half and 251 total yards for the game.​</p><p>“Defense played lights-out,” Campbell said, according to Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News.​</p><p>“Those DBs, man. … I just thought those guys…competed, they challenged, and then our front came alive.”</p><p>The Lions coach <a href="https://x.com/nolanbianchi/status/1980467053795610948" rel="noopener">expressed full confidence</a> in his first-year defensive coordinator.</p><p>“This is what I expected out of Kelvin Sheppard. This doesn’t surprise me,” Campbell added via Bianchi.​</p><p>Campbell concluded his assessment by calling it “just an outstanding defensive performance.”</p><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Lions-head-coach-Dan-Campbell-talks-to-a-referee.jpg"><figcaption>© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h2><b>How did the Lions’ defense dominate without their starting secondary?</b></h2><p>Detroit played without starting cornerbacks D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold, plus safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. The<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-aidan-hutchinson-doesnt-hold-back-on-new-dc-kelvin-sheppards-intensity"> backup defensive backs stepped up brilliantly</a>.​</p><p>Amik Robertson forced a fumble recovered by Aidan Hutchinson. Arthur Maulet grabbed an interception. Nick Whiteside knocked away a two-point conversion and defended three passes total. Erick Hallett had a total of eight tackles, and the secondary combined for eight passes defended in the contest.​</p><p>The Lions’ pass rush recorded four sacks against Baker Mayfield. Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Tyrus Wheat, and Al-Quadin Muhammad each brought down the Buccaneers quarterback once during the contest.</p><p>On offense, running back Jahmyr Gibbs was unstoppable. He totaled 218 scrimmage yards with 136 rushing and 82 receiving while scoring two touchdowns, including a 78-yard touchdown run. He became the first Lion since Kevin Smith in 2011 <a href="https://www.detroitlions.com/news/recap-lions-vs-buccaneers-gibbs-robertson-maulet-whiteside" rel="noopener">to record 200-plus scrimmage yards</a> and two rushing touchdowns in one game.</p><p>Detroit held Tampa Bay to 4-of-16 on third down conversions. The Bucs entered the game 5-1 with the NFC’s best record. The Lions improved to 5-2 heading into their bye week.​</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a play by Arthur Maulet for the interception!</p><p>TBvsDET on ESPN/ABC<br>Stream on <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLPlus</a> and ESPN App <a href="https://t.co/ftwZPKrnct">pic.twitter.com/ftwZPKrnct</a></p><p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1980431270174945286?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Lions’ Dan Campbell shares honest assessment of defense in win over Buccaneers

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-amon-ra-st-brown-take-detroit-mnf-defense-buccaneers');   ga('set', 'title', 'Amon-Ra St. Brown shares eye-opening take on Lions’ MNF defense');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Amon-Ra-St-Brown-shares-eye-opening-take-on-Detroits-MNF-defense.jpg"><figcaption>Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Amon-Ra St. Brown shares eye-opening take on Lions’ MNF defense</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-20T21:51:36-07:00">October 20th, 9:51pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-20T21:51:36-07:00">October 20th, 9:51pm</time><address><a>Paolo Mariano</a>Paolo Mariano is a freelance writer, editor, and producer based in Manila, Philippines. He is a journalism graduate from the University of Santo Tomas and the father of a young girl whose personality swings from Simone Biles to Dillon Brooks. A beacon of objectivity, he believes Penny Hardaway is the true NBA GOAT.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Lions</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Once again, the Detroit Lions avoided back-to-back losses after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 24-9, at Ford Field on “Monday Night Football.”</p><p>The Lions have not lost two straight games in the regular season for nearly three years, as they bounced back from their defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, 30-17, in Week 6. They improved to 5-2.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-dan-campbell-mnf-challenge-buccaneers-fans-buzzing">Detroit set the tone on defense early</a>, tallying an interception and a fumble in the first half to take a double-digit lead at the break, 14-3. They never looked back and cruised to the easy victory.</p><p>Amon-Ra St. Brown <a href="https://x.com/StaceyDales/status/1980483098489000390" rel="noopener">credited their defense</a> for limiting the Buccaneers throughout the contest.</p><p>“They played great all game, they’re the reason why we won this game,” said St. Brown, who had six receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown, in the postgame interview with NFL Network’s Stacey Dales.</p><p>“It was one of the best defensive performances I’ve been a part of. I feel like since being here in Detroit, we had a lot of guys down on defense, all the DBs, and they came out and played. They got turnovers, they were flying around, so hats off to them.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Amon-Ra St. Brown reflected on Detroit’s dominant MNF victory with me…</p><p>“It was one of the best defensive performances I’ve been a part of…”</p><p>And in the wake of the Brian Branch suspension:</p><p>“We love each other – we play for each other…”<a href="https://twitter.com/nflnetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nflnetwork</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLGameDay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLGameDay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnePride?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnePride</a> <a href="https://t.co/oHcUkTQqLx">pic.twitter.com/oHcUkTQqLx</a></p><p>— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) <a href="https://twitter.com/StaceyDales/status/1980483098489000390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>The Lions held the Buccaneers, who <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-baker-mayfield-message-mike-evans-injury">lost Mike Evans to a collarbone injury</a>, to just 251 total yards, including a measly 41 rushing yards. Detroit had 12 passes defended, with Baker Mayfield throwing 28-of-50.</p><p>It was also an emotional game for the Lions, who played without Brian Branch due to a one-game suspension over his unsportsmanlike conduct against the Chiefs.</p><p>St. Brown admitted that while they make mistakes, they always have each other’s backs.</p><p>“We love each other. We play for each other. You know, whoever it is. Guys make mistakes, it doesn’t matter. We’re here for each other,” added the three-time Pro Bowler.</p><p>“That’s what makes us special. We’re a tight group.”</p><p>The Lions, who will have a bye week, have now five consecutive games on “Monday Night Football.”</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Amon-Ra St. Brown shares eye-opening take on Lions’ MNF defense

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-jake-bates-never-seen-detroit-history-58-yard-fg');   ga('set', 'title', 'Lions’ Jake Bates makes never-before-seen Detroit history with 58-yard FG');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jake-Bates-makes-never-before-seen-Detroit-history-with-58-yard-FG.jpg"><figcaption>Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Lions’ Jake Bates makes never-before-seen Detroit history with 58-yard FG</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-20T21:44:34-07:00">October 20th, 9:44pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-20T21:44:34-07:00">October 20th, 9:44pm</time><address><a>Kris Pursiainen</a>Kris Pursiainen is an Associate Editor for all sports based in the NJ/NYC area. Kris brings several years of experience reporting on and writing about professional teams to the table. With experience all over the country as a New York Knicks, New York Jets, New York Mets, Super Bowl LVIII, and Big East beat reporter, Kris has been breaking news and reporting on the NBA, NFL, MLB, and college basketball landscapes for years. Kris is a proud graduate of Fordham University.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Lions</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Detroit Lions led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 21-9, with 10:18 left in the fourth quarter. They sent <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-jake-bates-heroic-tackle-ravens">kicker Jake Bates</a> out onto the field to attempt a 58-yard field goal instead of trying to draw the defense offside before inevitably punting. He made Lions history.</p><p>The football ‘doinked’ off the right upright. Detroit, though, still made out with three points after the doink proved beneficial to the kick’s chances of conversion. The score held for the remainder of Monday night’s game, leaving the Lions victorious by a 24-9 margin.</p><p>Detroit advanced to 5-2 on the season with the win, with the 4-1-1 Packers still atop the NFC North. Bates’ field goal was the third of his career from <a href="https://x.com/LionsPR/status/1980451298295312703" rel="noopener">58, or more, yards</a> out, per Lions PR. Most notably, he became the first kicker in Detroit’s franchise history to make two field goals in one season from that far.</p><p>Bates’ first make from that distance was also from 58 yards out. He extended the Lions’ lead over the Cleveland Browns to 20-7 in their Week 4 home victory.</p><p>The 26-year-old kicker has a career journey fit for Hollywood. He was released by the Houston Texans 12 days after they signed him as an undrafted free agent, leading him to believe his NFL career ended before it had started.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/who-is-jake-bates-the-former-brick-salesman-turned-lions-hero">Bates became a brick salesman</a> before he was signed to the UFL. After setting league records, he earned an opportunity with the Lions. As a rookie, he went 26-29 on field goals in his first year in Detroit. In his second season, he is 7-9 on field goal attempts through seven weeks of action. He improved to 2-4 from 50+ yards out with Monday night’s record-setting boot.</p><p>The Lions attempt relatively few field goals compared to the rest of the league. Their analytical approach often leads to aggressive fourth-down attempts. Detroit <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/eagles-news-vic-fangio-asterisk-take-new-nfl-kicking-balls">kicked the 26th-most field goals</a> last season and ran the fourth-most plays on fourth downs. It is clear that head coach Dan Campbell trusts Bates when they need the points, though. Monday night gave him even more reason to.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Lions’ Jake Bates makes never-before-seen Detroit history with 58-yard FG

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-detroit-drops-big-dan-campbell-primetime-flex-buccaneers-win');   ga('set', 'title', 'Lions drop big Dan Campbell primetime flex after Buccaneers win');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Lions-news-Detroit-drops-big-Dan-Campbell-primetime-flex-after-Buccaneers-win.jpg"><figcaption>Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Lions drop big Dan Campbell primetime flex after Buccaneers win</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-20T20:38:56-07:00">October 20th, 8:38pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-20T20:38:56-07:00">October 20th, 8:38pm</time><address><a>Richard Pereira</a>Richard Pereira joined ClutchPoints in January 2025 as an Associate Editor. He earned his degree from Florida Atlantic University in 2023 and has been covering the school's athletic programs since 2020, having served as a Sports Editor at the FAU University Press. He was granted the unique opportunity to report on the men's basketball team's journey to the Final Four in Houston for FAU Owls Nest during March Madness, consistently striving to grow as a sports journalist.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Lions</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Dan Campbell’s swagger in primetime games continued to be on full display following the Detroit <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-bold-predictions-for-monday-night-football-clash-vs-buccaneers">Lions’ matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> on Monday night.</p><p>Going into the matchup, the Lions had a 4-2 record. They’ve won four of their last five games, showing they are still strong as a playoff contender in the NFC. This matchup against Tampa Bay was big as it featured two teams that have a case to make for a potential playoff run.</p><p>Detroit showed up throughout the game. They dominated on both sides of the ball while securing Campbell’s 13th win in primetime games, as the team’s PR page <a href="https://x.com/LionsPR/status/1980459739059499180" rel="noopener">revealed on social media</a>.</p><p>“The @Lions have improved to 13-3 in primetime games under Head Coach Dan Campbell,” the tweet read.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/Lions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Lions</a> have improved to 13-3 in primetime games under Head Coach Dan Campbell.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnePride?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnePride</a> <a href="https://t.co/q7F7F9m8FX">pic.twitter.com/q7F7F9m8FX</a></p><p>— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/LionsPR/status/1980459739059499180?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><h2><b>How Dan Campbell, Lions performed against Buccaneers</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Lions-news-Detroit-drops-big-Dan-Campbell-primetime-flex-after-Buccaneers-win-2.jpg"><figcaption>Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>It was a strong home win for Dan Campbell and the Lions, continuing to shine as one of the best teams in the NFL. Their statement against the Buccaneers was a clear message to the rest of the league that they are ready for payback.</p><p>Detroit was productive for the entire night, scoring in all four quarters. Not only that, but they forced Tampa Bay to go scoreless in the first and fourth quarters, showing how they excelled in controlling the momentum all game.</p><p>Jared Goff was effective with the chances he created for his teammates. He completed 20 passes out of 29 attempts for 241 yards and a touchdown and an interception.</p><p>Jahmyr Gibbs torched the Buccaneers’ run defense as he delivered a dominant performance worthy of a Monday night game. He finished with 17 carries for 136 yards and two touchdowns while catching three passes for 82 yards.</p><p>All but two players recorded two or more receptions throughout the game, including Gibbs. Amon-Ra St. Brown had a strong display with six catches for 86 yards and a touchdown. Brock Wright followed with three receptions for 23 yards, David Montgomery had two catches for 18 yards, Kalif Raymond made three receptions for 17 yards, while Sam LaPorta caught three passes for 15 yards.</p><p>The Lions (5-2) will look forward to their next matchup, remaining at home. They are on a bye next week but will resume play when they host the Minnesota Vikings (3-3) on Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. ET.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Lions drop big Dan Campbell primetime flex after Buccaneers win

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-dan-campbell-mnf-challenge-buccaneers-fans-buzzing');   ga('set', 'title', 'Lions coach Dan Campbell’s bold MNF challenge vs. Buccaneers has fans buzzing');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Dan-Campbells-bold-MNF-challenge-vs.-Buccaneers-has-fans-buzzing.jpg"><figcaption>Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Lions coach Dan Campbell’s bold MNF challenge vs. Buccaneers has fans buzzing</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-20T19:23:34-07:00">October 20th, 7:23pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-20T19:23:34-07:00">October 20th, 7:23pm</time><address><a>Paolo Mariano</a>Paolo Mariano is a freelance writer, editor, and producer based in Manila, Philippines. He is a journalism graduate from the University of Santo Tomas and the father of a young girl whose personality swings from Simone Biles to Dillon Brooks. A beacon of objectivity, he believes Penny Hardaway is the true NBA GOAT.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Lions</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Detroit Lions hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on “Monday Night Football,” looking to bounce back from their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6.</p><p>The Buccaneers, on the other hand, are coming off back-to-back wins and probably had an edge in momentum entering the game. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-fans-livid-controversial-lions-interception">But the Lions roared early</a>, holding a double-digit lead at halftime, 14-3, with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs providing the touchdowns.</p><p>While the third quarter was close, the Lions kept their advantage. Then came a bit of controversy in the fourth quarter.</p><p>Detroit coach Dan Campbell <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1980449623853629933" rel="noopener">challenged the call</a> on the catch of Cade Otton on fourth down. It was initially deemed unsuccessful, but the referees reversed the decision, saying Otton was short of first down. The referees also awarded the Lions back their timeout.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bucs' Cade Otton was determined to be short of the 1st down making the Lions' challenge successful.</p><p>Did the refs get this one right? 🤔<a href="https://t.co/xhdIH61pRQ">pic.twitter.com/xhdIH61pRQ</a></p><p>— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1980449623853629933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>The confusion didn’t sit well with fans, who expressed their thoughts on X.</p><p>“Well, that’s a new one. Lions lose then win the challenge,” <a href="https://x.com/DetroitOnLion/status/1980448932317802713" rel="noopener">said</a> @DetroitOnLion.</p><p>“What just happened, @NFL? Detroit challenged the catch, not where the ball was spotted. Also, why didn’t the refs let the Bucs snap the ball? Dan Campbell had years to challenge that play. Plus, the Lions keep their timeout. Wow! That’s an unreal sequence,” <a href="https://x.com/surebetkeenan/status/1980449596641054730" rel="noopener">added</a> @surebetkeenan.</p><p>“So Detroit lost the original challenge, but the replay revealed that the ball was short, so the Bucs lose the down, and the Lions get the ball and get their timeout back? I LOVE football!” <a href="https://x.com/BlackFangirling/status/1980449651691245808" rel="noopener">wrote</a> @BlackFangirling.</p><p>“They should deduct points from the Lions simply because Dan Campbell just wasted everyone’s time with that challenge,” <a href="https://x.com/Tylow237/status/1980453798071144751" rel="noopener">posted</a> @Tylow237.</p><p>“Why are the refs standing there chatting and not allowing the Bucs to get a quick play off and giving the Lions time to challenge?” <a href="https://x.com/BarryStonks/status/1980448148922445887" rel="noopener">asked </a>@BarryStonks.</p><p>The NFL may have some have explaining to do after this game.</p><p>As of writing, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-detroit-boosts-depth-signing-injury-riddled-secondary">the Lions, who are looking for their fifth win</a>,  are still comfortably ahead, 24-9, in the fourth quarter.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Lions coach Dan Campbell’s bold MNF challenge vs. Buccaneers has fans buzzing

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-fans-livid-controversial-lions-interception');   ga('set', 'title', 'Buccaneers fans are livid after controversial Lions interception');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Buccaneers-quarterback-Baker-Mayfield-6-makes-a-pass-against-the-Lions.jpg"><figcaption>© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Buccaneers fans are livid after controversial Lions interception</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-20T18:31:42-07:00">October 20th, 6:31pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-20T18:31:42-07:00">October 20th, 6:31pm</time><address><a>Rexwell Villas</a>Rexwell Villas is an experienced sports writer covering a variety of sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college football. He's a Communications Arts graduate from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, and he claims to have JR Smith's conscience with his shot selection. He has won a basketball, a baseball, and a football championship in fantasy all within a year.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Lions</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-bold-predictions-for-monday-night-football-clash-vs-buccaneers">Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Detroit Lions are facing off against each other</a> this Monday at Ford Field, with Baker Mayfield and company looking for their third consecutive <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-x-factor-to-upset-lions-on-monday-night-football-in-week-7">win</a> and sixth overall in the 2025 NFL regular season.</p><p>The Buccaneers, however, had their backs against the wall early in the contest, with the Lions taking an 11-point lead into halftime. Tampa Bay had a chance to put up points on the board during a drive later in the second quarter, but Mayfield’s pass intended for tight end Cade Otton was intercepted by Lions defensive back Arthur Maulet.</p><p>It looked as though Otton secured the ball just before Maulet entered the picture. But it was later <a href="https://x.com/ClutchPoints/status/1980432215504027844" rel="noopener">ruled an interception</a> in favor of Maulet and the Lions.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Arthur Maulet with a GROWN MAN'S interception 💪</p><p>Buccaneers fans felt that the refs' ruling of an interception was wrong, and wanted it overturned to a catch 👀</p><p>Good call or bad call? 🤔<a href="https://t.co/UR5XcoGEfJ">pic.twitter.com/UR5XcoGEfJ</a></p><p>— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1980432215504027844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>The interception and the ruling on the play immediately sparked a wave of reactions from Buccaneers and football fans on social media.</p><p>“Brother, everyone and the announcers were saying tie goes to the offense and it looks like Otton had it and then refs come in and help out the Lions lol,” a fan <a href="https://x.com/Ajmakeithappen7/status/1980431829015691617" rel="noopener">said</a>.</p><p>“Gee I wonder who the NFL wants to win this one,” another social media user on X, formerly Twitter, <a href="https://x.com/Rushmore_Rep/status/1980432651015356679" rel="noopener">commented sarcastically</a>.</p><p><a href="https://x.com/tschloss87/status/1980432262966755710" rel="noopener">Said another</a>: “We’ve been told constantly over the years that simultaneous possession goes to the offense. Y’all aren’t beating the ‘rigged’ allegations.”</p><p>“How can you overturned this after stopping the Bucs who had already snapped the ball on the next play???” <a href="https://x.com/shooteyshoots/status/1980432341614109048" rel="noopener">wondered</a> a fan.</p><p>“The fact the league celebrates not even knowing it’s own rules is a f****n joke and makes em lose credibility. Hire full time staff and train them properly you ridiculous a******s,” an <a href="https://x.com/SportsNerd420/status/1980432362183000352" rel="noopener">angry social media user shared</a>.</p><p>In any case, the Buccaneers still have time to stage a comeback against Jared Goff and the Lions.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Buccaneers fans are livid after controversial Lions interception

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-alim-mcneil-activate-monday-night-footbal-buccaneers');   ga('set', 'title', 'Lions’ Alim McNeill activated for massive Monday Night Football game vs Buccaneers');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Alim-McNeill-i.jpg"><figcaption>Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Lions’ Alim McNeill activated for massive Monday Night Football game vs Buccaneers</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-20T14:28:30-07:00">October 20th, 2:28pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-20T14:58:56-07:00">October 20th, 2:58pm</time><address><a>Mike Gianakos</a>Mike Gianakos is the former editor-in-chief of High Times magazine, where he also spearheaded the video department and event production. He is a longtime podcaster and even longer suffering NY Jets fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Lions</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Detroit Lions are looking to rebound from a disheartening loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6 when they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. The 4-2 Lions will be missing key members of the secondary against Baker Mayfield and company in Week 7. However, Detroit will get a boost up front with <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-dan-campbell-declares-alim-mcneill-fricking-playing-vs-buccaneers">the return of Alim McNeill</a>.</p><p>The fifth-year defensive tackle <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1980364778284745062" rel="noopener">will play</a> against Tampa Bay on Monday after being activated by the Lions, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. McNeill will take the field in Week 7 for the first time since last December.</p><p>The veteran interior defender suffered a season-ending injury against the Buffalo Bills in Week 15 last year. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-dan-campbell-crushing-alim-mcneill-carlton-davis-injury-updates">McNeill tore his ACL</a>, forcing him to sit out the 2024 playoffs and delaying his 2025 season debut.</p><h2><b>Alim McNeill set for season debut on MNF Week 7</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Alim-McNeill-ii.jpg"><figcaption>Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-alim-mcneill-injury-rehab">Lions opened his 21-day practice window</a> on October 1. The move gave the team three weeks to activate McNeill or lose him for the season. Fortunately, the former third-round pick was able to return to practice this week and will suit up against the Bucs.</p><p>The Lions’ defense needs whatever help it can get at this point. Detroit’s secondary will be shorthanded for Monday night. Cornerback <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-terrion-arnold-back-practice-ahead-week-7">Terrion Arnold will miss</a> his second straight game with a shoulder injury. Safety Kerby Joseph will sit out Week 7 with a knee ailment. And fellow safety Brian Branch is serving a one-game suspension.</p><p>Branch started a scuffle with Chiefs wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster at the end of Week 6’s loss to Kansas City. Punches were thrown as teammates struggled to break up the postgame melee. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-brian-branch-suspension-upheld-week-7">Branch’s suspension was upheld</a> by the league office and he’ll sit out against Tampa Bay.</p><p>McNeill’s ACL was one of several major injuries the Lions suffered last season. While Detroit still managed to record a 15-2 record, the team got bounced from the playoffs in the first round by the Washington Commanders.</p><p>In 2025, the Lions are attempting to reach the postseason for the third straight year. However, the team lost both its top coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, to head coaching jobs elsewhere.</p><p>The Lions look to get back on track against Baker Mayfield and a banged up Buccaneers team that’s off to a 5-1 start this season.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Lions’ Alim McNeill activated for massive Monday Night Football game vs Buccaneers

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-terrion-arnold-back-practice-ahead-week-7');   ga('set', 'title', 'Terrion Arnold back at Lions practice ahead of Week 7');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Detroit-Lions-cornerback-Terrion-Arnold.jpg"><figcaption>© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Terrion Arnold back at Lions practice ahead of Week 7</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-17T13:17:41-07:00">October 17th, 1:17pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-17T13:17:41-07:00">October 17th, 1:17pm</time><address><a>Zachary Howell</a>Zachary Howell is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints focusing on creating premier MLB content. He is a big fan of the Yankees, Oklahoma City Thunder and the Syracuse Orange. In his free time, he likes to be outside or read.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Lions</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Detroit Lions and head coach Dan Campbell have their hands full ahead of Week 7. Detroit hosts a red-hot Tampa Bay Buccaneers team on Monday night in a big game for both teams. With <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-brian-branch-suspension-upheld-week-7">Brian Branch serving a one-game suspension he received last Sunday</a>, the Lions need all the help they can get. Luckily for them, Terrion Arnold is trending in the right direction.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-terrion-arnold-out-a-while-dan-campbell">Arnold has not played since Week 5 because of a shoulder injury he suffered against the Cincinnati Bengals</a>. Campbell confirmed earlier this week that the cornerback will not see the field on Monday night, either. The Lions will be cautious with his return, waiting until at least Week 8 to bring him back onto the field. Until then, he will work his way back into form at practice.</p><p>According to ESPN’s Eric Woodyard, Arnold took a <a href="https://x.com/E_Woodyard/status/1979238325702500778" rel="noopener">big step in his recovery</a> on Friday.</p><p>“Lions’ Terrion Arnold (shoulder) returned to practice today,” Woodyard said.</p><p>Without Arnold or Branch on the field, Tampa Bay figures to have a big advantage when it has the ball. However, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-emeka-egbuka-unlikely-play-mnf-vs-lions-nfl-insider">Buccaneers will be without rookie standout Emeka Egbuka</a>. The young star is dealing with a hamstring injury. Tampa Bay is without its top three receivers with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. dealing with separate issues</p><p>Campbell has seen his offense have dominant nights early in the season. However, Monday night will be a big test for Detroit’s backups as they try to limit Baker Mayfield and one of the NFL’s best offenses. Despite the defensive weakness, the Lions still stand a good chance of winning a shootout between two teams that can light up the scoreboard.</p><p>Arnold, Branch, and Kerby Joseph are a dominant trio when they are on the field together. Unfortunately, Detroit will have to do without at least two of them in one of the biggest games of its season so far.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Terrion Arnold back at Lions practice ahead of Week 7

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-bold-predictions-for-monday-night-football-clash-vs-buccaneers');   ga('set', 'title', 'Lions bold predictions for Monday Night Football clash vs. Buccaneers');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Lions-bold-predictions-for-Monday-Night-Football-clash-vs.-Buccaneers.jpg"></figure><h1>Lions bold predictions for Monday Night Football clash vs. Buccaneers</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-16T13:32:42-07:00">October 16th, 1:32pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-16T13:32:42-07:00">October 16th, 1:32pm</time><address><a>Ben Strauss</a>Ben Strauss is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He is a die-hard NFL fan who cheers for the Detroit Lions. He has previously written fantasy football content for IDPGuys and ImportantNonsense.com.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Lions</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Detroit Lions will be looking to get back in the win column on Monday Night Football. The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-most-blame-humbling-loss-chiefs-sunday-night-football-week-6-2025">Lions still licking their wounds after losing 30-17</a> against the Chiefs last week. But they don’t have time to feel sorry for themselves, as one of the NFC’s best teams comes to town in Week 7.</p><p>Buccaneers vs. Lions has become a great rivalry over the past few seasons. Detroit won the first round, beating Tampa in the playoffs back in 2023. But then <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/3-buccaneers-overreactions-playoff-rematch-win-lions">Tampa Bay got revenge in Week 2 of the 2024 season</a>, handing Detroit one of their two regular-season loses.</p><p>And the Lions will be treating it like a rivalry game.</p><p>Detroit will be <a href="https://x.com/Lions/status/1978621159987138668?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet" rel="noopener">wearing their color rush uniforms</a> for Monday Night Football, which always makes the crowd a little bit louder.</p><p>But which team will come out on top? And could this be a preview of this year’s NFC Championship Game?</p><p>Below we will explore three bold predictions ahead of the Lions’ important Monday Night Football game against the Buccaneers.</p><p><i><b>*Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV <a href="https://www.fubo.tv/lp/football/?irad=356362&amp;irmp=492408" rel="noopener sponsored">(free trial)</a>*</b></i></p><h2><b>Sonic and Knuckles pound Buccaneers defense for 200+ yards</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Lions-news-Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery-sign-Sonic-Knuckles-poster-for-fan-after-MNF-win.jpg"><figcaption>Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-david-montgomery-jahmyr-gibbs-demand-sonic-themed-nickname">dynamic duo of Sonic and Knuckles</a> did not play very well in Week 6.</p><p>Gibbs could not shake loose in the runnin game, only managed 65 rushing yards on 17 attempts. He added only one reception for two yards in the receiving game.</p><p>Meanwhile, Montgomery only had four carries for 24 rushing yards. He also had a beautiful <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-ref-explains-why-penalty-called-jared-goff-negate-td-vs-chiefs">touchdown pass to Jared Goff</a>, but it was called back on a penalty.</p><p>It should be no surprise that the Lions lost against the Chiefs as a result.</p><p>I am 100% certain that the Lions will focus on establishing their running game against the Buccaneers on Monday night.</p><p>But that could be difficult against a stout Buccaneers run defense unit.</p><p>Tampa Bay ranks among the best defenses in the NFL when it comes to stopping the run. They’ve allowed 88.2 rushing yards per game at 3.7 yards per carry.</p><p>That could spell some problems for Detroit. But perhaps the Lions have learned from their last game against the Buccaneers where Goff threw the ball 55 times.</p><p>Either way, I am predicting that Detroit’s dynamic duo will combine for over 200 all-purpose yards against Tampa Bay.</p><p>But how bold is that? How often has that happened over the past few years?</p><p>This has happened fives times dating back to 2024, with the most recent being <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/baltimore-ravens/ravens-most-to-blame-for-monday-night-football-loss-to-lions">Detroit’s huge win against Baltimore in Week 3</a>.</p><h2><b>Detroit unleashes Isaac TeSlaa on Monday Night Football</b></h2><p>Detroit’s rookie receiver has made a name for himself for his circus catches. The first two catches of TeSlaa’s career were <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-isaac-teslaa-catch-draws-jason-kelce-reaction">acrobatic one-handed receptions</a>.</p><p>Unfortunately, that’s about all that the rookie has added to the Lions’ offense.</p><p>TeSlaa only has three receptions for 54 yards and two touchdowns to start his career. He is being used as a tertiary weapon, at best, in Detroit’s star-studded offense.</p><p>But Lions fans should not worry about him. TeSlaa has already already earned the trust of Detroit’s front office.</p><p>The TeSlaa selection was controversial around draft time after the unheralded player went in the third round. However, that did not stop Lions GM Brad Holmes from <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-brad-holmes-claps-back-draft-doubters-favorite-wr-declaration">calling TeSlaa his favorite receiver of the draft</a>.</p><p>“The pick that was probably the most questioned, I would say, was Isaac TeSlaa. I can say that he was my favorite wide receiver in this draft,” Holmes said, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com. “I’m not saying he was the best wide receiver in the draft. But favorite wide receiver in the draft? Yes.”</p><p>As for this game, what does “unleashed” mean for a player with only three catches on the season?</p><p>I believe that Detroit will prioritize getting TeSlaa additional targets against Tampa Bay.</p><p>I’m predicting that the Lions will give TeSlaa at least five targets on Monday Night Football. That would match all of the targets he’s received up until this point.</p><p>If TeSlaa does get five targets, I imagine he’ll score at least one touchdown.</p><h2><b>Lions allow 300+ passing yards to Baker Mayfield, still win game</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Brian-Branch.jpg"><figcaption>Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Lions are dealing with several defensive injuries, most of which are in their secondary.</p><p>Both Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed are out with serious injuries. Detroit was also without backup Avonte Maddox in Week 6. It should be no surprise that Patrick Mahomes shredded the Lions last week.</p><p>To make matters worse, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-brian-branch-suspension-upheld-week-7">Brian Branch is out for one game with a suspension</a> after striking JuJu Smith-Schuster in Week 6.</p><p>All of this comes at the worst possible time, as the Lions go up against the mighty Baker Mayfield.</p><p>Baker is playing like a league MVP right now. He has 1,539 passing yards with 12 touchdowns and only one interception through six games.</p><p>I am confident that Mayfield will have a great game, even if Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin do not play.</p><p>I’m predicting that Mayfield will throw for over 300 passing yards for the second time this season. However, I also think the Lions will force Baker to make one critical mistake that could shift the balance in their favor.</p><p>The Lions win an incredibly close game against the Buccaneers by one score.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Lions bold predictions for Monday Night Football clash vs. Buccaneers

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/detroit-lions/biggest-matchup-lions-must-exploit-to-beat-buccaneers-in-week-7');   ga('set', 'title', 'Biggest matchup Lions must exploit to beat Buccaneers in Week 7');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Detroit-Lions-WR-Jameson-Williams.jpg"><figcaption>Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Biggest matchup Lions must exploit to beat Buccaneers in Week 7</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-16T10:39:17-07:00">October 16th, 10:39am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-16T10:39:17-07:00">October 16th, 10:39am</time><address><a href="https://matthew516sports.substack.com/">Douglas Fritz</a>Douglas Fritz has been writing about sports for almost four decades and publishes a Christian sports newsletter and podcast on Substack at Matthew516Sports. He started as a reporter for the student newspaper at East Tennessee State University, worked his way up to Editor-In-Chief, and began his sports writing career at the Johnson City Press daily newspaper while still in college. During 30-plus years at the Press, he covered University of Tennessee football, men's and women's basketball, ETSU athletics, and high school athletics. Among the people he has interviewed are Dale Murphy, Bobby Cox, John Smoltz, and Bruce Smith. He is also a Christian-based screenwriter (five feature-length and one short), book writer (three completed manuscripts and one novel), and songwriter.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Lions</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>It should be <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-lions-bold-predictions-2025-week-7-clash">quite a battle for the Detroit Lions</a> in Week 7. And they will be <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-brian-branch-suspension-upheld-week-7">short-handed in the secondary</a>. But here is the biggest matchup the Lions must exploit to beat the Buccaneers.</p><p>Let’s get real right off the bat. The Buccaneers are going to score points against the injury-riddled and shaky Lions’ secondary. So the first point of emphasis will be on putting points on the board.</p><p>Second, the Lions made a tactical mistake against the Chiefs. They played like they were scared of the Chiefs’ offense, eating clock and playing not to lose. This week, they need to hit it hard and strike for big plays at every opportunity.</p><h2><b>Lions need to use WR Jameson Williams often</b></h2><p>One reason the Lions should be able to get Williams loose is that the Buccaneers should ride Amon-Ra St. Brown hard. This will open windows of opportunity for Williams.</p><p>Williams has endured a disappointing season. The Lions expected him to be a breakout player, but he hasn’t gotten <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6717089/2025/10/15/fantasy-football-rankings-week-7-sleepers-projections-starts-jameson-williams-harold-fannin/" rel="noopener">into a groove</a>. But there are signs of hope, according to The Athletic.</p><p>“Jameson Williams has been frustrating, and we keep looking for signs of hope. Here’s some,” Jake Ciely wrote. “Williams sees a 13.3% point boost in team target percentage (TmTGT%) when Jared Goff is pressured (26.8% to 13.5%). That’s the fourth-highest gap in the league. The Buccaneers pressure the QB at the sixth-highest rate (41.5%). Conversely, Amon-Ra St. Brown sees a 17.8% boost when the pocket is clean (second most).”</p><p>However, others have <a href="https://www.fantasylife.com/articles/guillotine-leagues/is-it-time-to-bench-jameson-williams-and-start-michael-carter-th" rel="noopener">soured on him</a>, according to fantasylife.com.</p><p>“Williams can pop off for a big play at any time, but the floor is low as shown in several games,” Adam Ronis wrote. “Even playing the matchups hasn’t worked. Benching Williams makes sense until he is more involved in the offense.”</p><h2><b>Will this be the week for WR Jameson Williams?</b></h2><p>Maybe that happens this week. Head coach Dan Campbell saw what happened against the Chiefs when his team couldn’t hit big plays. They scored 17 points and lost, which he didn’t like at all, according to Yahoo.com.</p><p>“I’m disappointed,” Campbell said. “It’s been a long time since we’ve watched someone kneel (the ball) three times at the end of a game that isn’t even close. We were down two scores, and we got worked pretty good. So yeah, it is really disappointing.</p><p>“I felt like this was the kind of game where we needed at least that many and we couldn’t. Defensively, we had some opportunities that we have to capitalize on — we didn’t get any takeaways — but, really, the offense needed to show up there.”</p><h2><b>QB Jared Goff said the Lions need to work on mental game</b></h2><p>Goff said the team had the right mentality, but didn’t produce.</p><p>“Our mentality was to score on every drive, and when we had long drives, we needed to finish them with touchdowns,” Goff said. “We didn’t do that and they did.”</p><p>Campbell said the offense needs to find <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6712570/2025/10/13/lions-lose-chiefs-mistakes-brawl/" rel="noopener">a better gear</a>, according to The Athletic.</p><p>“You feel like the offense is going to need to carry more of this load,” Campbell said. “That’s the way I felt, knowing where we were going into [the Chiefs] game defensively. With that, they have to be able to do more for us, and we just weren’t able to put up points. That’s the bottom line.”</p><p>Still, the Lions can and should <a href="https://www.mlive.com/lions/2025/10/why-dan-campbell-believes-lions-tough-loss-might-be-exactly-what-they-needed.html" rel="noopener">learn from the game</a> against the Chiefs, according to mlive.com.</p><p>“I go back to this, maybe we needed this,” Campbell told MLive after the team’s loss in Kansas City. “Maybe we needed to get kicked around a little bit, because that’s what happened.</p><p>“Well, you don’t ever want things to happen. Nobody wants to lose. We certainly don’t want to lose. But it puts a little extra sense of urgency on you. It puts a little bit of that bad taste. It sometimes gives you that extra kick to get things back to where they need to be. Maybe you didn’t quite see it, or maybe it’s — look, the other thing is that’s a really good team, man. You’ve got to be on point when you play really good teams.”</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

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