The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the best record in the NFC at 5-1. Right behind them the Detroit Lions are nipping at their heels at 4-2. This week the two will square off on the league’s biggest stage; Monday Night Football.
It’s a heavyweight fight between the two teams that I believe are the class of the conference this year. Don’t be surprised if this is a preview of this year’s NFC Championship game. It’s a game that won’t be won easily.
This is proof by the results of recent history. The Bucs went into Detroit and won last year, but the Lions came to Tampa and won the year before that. These are two very evenly matched teams and this game is no exception.Â
—
There are so many fun matchups that I’ll be watching in this game. Lions quarterback Jared Goff vs the Bucs pass rush. The Bucs front seven trying to slow down Lions star running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Lions star pass rusher vs Bucs All-Pro left tackle Tristian Wirfs (hopefully we get to see these two go head to head).
However, none of these are the matchup that I think will swing the game the most. In fact, on paper it might look like a big advantage for the Lions because it doesn’t feature a household name for the Bucs. X marks the spot! Here is my week six X-Factor matchup.
Amon-Ra St. Brown vs Jacob Parrish
The Lions best playmaker is two time All Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. He does a lot of his damage out of the slot, similar to Cooper Kupp, Puka Nakua and Emeka Egbuka. He is known for his great route running and having the most reliable pair of hands since Larry Fitzgrald.Â
It’s no surprise that on a team loaded with great playmakers, St. Brown is Jared Goff’s favorite target. It seems like all he does is move the chains on third down, make plays with the ball in his hands and catch contested passes. I have no question that this is a top five wide receiver in the NFL today.
However, there is one thing that he is not. St. Brown is not an overwhelming athlete. He is only 5’11 and he ran a 4.51 40 yard dash at his pro day in 2021. He’s a classic example of mentality and work ethic over raw talent.
Really, he isn’t so different from Buccaneers rookie nickel back Jacob Parrish. The first year defensive back out of Kansas State has stepped in and impressed since day one. Most in Bucs train camp said he was more ready for the NFL than their second round corner Benjamin Morrison.
Much of this is the mentality Parrish takes in playing the game. Some might describe it as edgy or playing angry. Whatever you call it, Parrish brings the mindset of not backing down from anyone and imposing his will on opponents.Â
—
While he is not the biggest guy on the field, 5’10 and 191 lbs, he might be the fastest. He ran a 4.35 40 yard dash at last year’s NFL combine. This gives him the make up speed that can cover up for some of his inexperience or allow him to react and make plays.
This should be a big factor in this game. While St. Brown is a great route runner and is much more experienced, Parrish has significantly better speed to make up for it. It sets up a back and forth battle between the All Pro and the rookie.
I don’t expect anyone to lock down a player of St. Brown’s caliber. However, if Parrish can hold his own as an island and limit St. Brown then it will allow the Buccaneers’ defense to focus more on things like stopping the Lions strong running game. It’s a game both players will probably need to win for their team to come out with the win.
For more from J.T. click here, then make sure to follow him on Twitter.
Follow, Like and Subscribe to Bucs Report
BucsReport.com
For more on this and everything Buccaneers check back here hourly at BucsReport.com
