After last weeks undefeated match-up between the New England Patriots and the Dallas Cowboys, no games appear on the schedule that can live up to the hype this week. The Patriots are playing the winless Miami Dolphins, while the Cowboys, now with one loss, take on the 2-3 Vikings. One surprising game though could be between the Buccaneers and the Lions. Both teams were not expected to have an above .500 record by this point of the season. It also features one of the best defenses right now in Tampa Bay, and a high powered offensive attack led by Jon Kitna in the Lions.
Detroit opened the season winning two games, before being shellacked by the Philadelphia Eagles 56-21. They quickly rebounded, defeating Chicago, putting 37 points on a team that usually has a very good defense. Once again though, in their next outing they took a pounding, losing 34-3 to the also improved Washington Redskins. In able to pull themselves out of this mini-slump they are enduring they will have to rely on the arm of Kitna. On they year he has completed 68.3 percent of his passes, and has thrown for 1333 yards on eight touchdowns and six interceptions. In his games he has either been superb, or non-existent. The Lions would probably prefer a balanced effort the rest of the way, but when he blows up on opposing offenses it is fun to watch. Kitna has some of the best receivers in the game to throw to, including Roy Williams and Shaun McDonald. Williams is averaging 14.6 yards per catch, and has found the end zone four times. McDonald has also scored four times. Their rookie superstar Calvin Johnson started off hot, but has battled back injuries of late. Coming off a bye week he should be ready to make an impact.
The Tampa Buccaneers are all about their defense. Their offensive line and main running back threat Cadillac Williams are both injured. They have relied on Jeff Garcia to limit his mistakes as much as possible, even though it obvious to everyone in the stands they will have to now throw the ball more because of the injuries. The addition of Barrett Ruud has been a lifesaver for the Bucs. He leads the team with 62 tackles. He is also tied with the ageless Derrick Brooks with three forced fumbles. Jermaine Phillips has also contributed with 39 tackles of his own, including two interceptions. Everyone keeps saying the Tampa Bay defense is old. Someone forget to tell them.
This is a very close game on paper because of the prolific offense vs. the stingy defense. Detroit has shown they have had problems with good secondary’s, as they only put up three points against the Redskins. I like the Buccaneers in this one as long as they can get a little more offensive production then they are used to. I’m thinking a score of 21-17 looks about right.
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