Lions at Buccaneers
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.,
Sunday, Dec. 12

AT A GLANCE: The Lions visit the Buccaneers in a key NFC Central matchup. Detroit should have QB Charlie Batch (thumb) back in the starting lineup, while the Buccaneers will likely go with rookie Shaun King under center.

The Lions seek to maintain their standing in the NFC Central as they travel to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers. After a slow start, Tampa Bay (7-4 going into its Week 13 Monday-night game vs. the Vikings) has come on. There’s little question about why the Buccaneers are dangerous: their defense. The Bucs have arguably the best defensive unit in the league.

The quarterbacks are a story to watch in this game. It appeared at presstime that Lions QB Charlie Batch, who has been sidelined with a broken thumb, was ready to move back into the starting lineup. The Buccaneers will probably go with rookie Shaun King. King moved into the lineup after Trent Dilfer suffered a broken collarbone.

Detroit has had the advantage in this series in recent years. Detroit has won four straight regular-season games at Tampa, covering the spread in all four.

WHEN THE LIONS HAVE THE BALL:

Detroit’s offense has revolved around the pass, whether it’s been Batch or Gus Frerotte under center. Germane Crowell has become a dynamic threat outside, and Johnnie Morton can also get deep. The return of Herman Moore from a knee problem also has to help. Moore probably won’t be the Lions’ go-to guy right off the bat.

The Buccaneers primarily use zone coverage in the defensive backfield. They can do that because the front four can usually pressure the quarterback without the help of a lot of blitzes. The Lions’ line, which has allowed 45 sacks this season, could struggle against Tampa Bay’s dangerous pass rushers. DT Warren Sapp is extremely disruptive. At times Sapp will line up against ORG Jeff Hartings, Detroit’s best lineman, but Sapp will flop to the other side at times as well.

It is imperative that the Lions give Batch (or Frerotte) time to throw because their running game is virtually nonexistent. If Sedrick Irvin (knee) is healthy, then he and Greg Hill should split the carries. They will find tough going against the stingy Buccaneers run defense.