In this highly anticipated matchup, neither the Bucs nor the Lions disappointed in making this a hard-fought, back-and-forth game that came down to the wire. It was a 60-minute battle with a lot of grit and physical play on display.

Despite Tampa Bay’s big 20-16 upset win, there were plenty of moments to be disappointed by. Here is this week’s list.

RT Justin Skule

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and RT Justin Skule and Lions DE Aidan Hutchison – Photo by: USA Today

Without Luke Goedeke, Justin Skule got his first start since 2020 with the 49ers. He did not hold up well, to say the least.

Skule was “schooled” by Aidan Hutchinson, the dominant Lions pass rusher. In the first quarter alone, Hutchinson had three sacks and finished the game with four and a half sacks. Four and a half.

Three and a half of them were on Skule, and it was a mismatch from the start. The backup right tackle did not receive much support and had to face him one-on-one often, which did not help matters. The Bucs should hope they are not without Goedeke or Tristan Wirfs anymore this season.

OC Liam Coen’s Plan Against Aidan Hutchinson

Yes, Justin Skule was very disappointing, but the failure to stop Aidan Hutchinson also falls on Liam Coen. Leading up to the game, Coen said that the gameplan of blocking him would not change without Luke Goedeke.

That backfired.

Trusting a reserve offensive tackle to hold up against one of the NFL’s best pass rushers was a big mistake. One that could not be masked by putting Cade Otton or Rachaad White over there to block.

There is no stopping Hutchinson from being a factor, but there should have been a better plan this week to contain him. Look no further than how the Saints were able to do the same against Cowboys’ pass rusher Micah Parsons. Allowing Hutchinson to run free into the backfield and bring down Baker Mayfield as often as he did also falls on the offensive coordinator not doing more to protect his quarterback.

Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown – Photo by: USA Today

Containing Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown

As much as Jared Goff has given the Bucs fits, Amon-Ra St. Brown is a big reason why. That did not stop in this one, as St. Brown showed why he is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. He was targeted often – look no further than his 19 targets. That target share contributed to his 11 receptions for 119 receiving yards, and he was able to get open and beat the Bucs’ beaten-up secondary.

RG Cody Mauch

It was another disappointing showing from the second-year right guard. On the Bucs’ first offensive drive, Cody Mauch failed to pick up Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson as he went inside and got a strip-sack on Baker Mayfield. It could have been a big early swing, but in one of the scarce positive moments for backup right tackle Justin Skule, he was able to recover the ball after Hutchinson jarred it loose.

On the second drive, Mauch was called for a false start penalty. He also struggled to create space for running backs Rachaad White and Bucky Irving as well as time for Mayfield to set his feet.

It was not solely on him, but his game did not help matters.

So, About The Bucs’ Run Game

A week after Rachaad White had 15 carries for 31 rushing yards against the Commanders, White struggled again, with just 10 carries for 18 rushing yards. Bucky Irving, his promising backfield partner, did not fare much better (seven carries for 22 rushing yards).

There was a lot to be disappointed about with the run game, and it was not just White and Irving. It was a product of the offensive line (Cody Mauch and Justin Skule, in particular) failing to gain leverage and plays being dead on arrival.

This was not the only disappointing trend that continued, either.

Bucs Pass Rush NOT Getting Home

Another game, another instance of the Bucs’ pass rush failing to get home. They did not record a single sack, and this is a growing concern.

They were able to generate some pressure, but it was not enough. The four-man fronts did not lead to sacks or in making Jared Goff uncomfortable. Instead, it was the same old same old.

Not having Calijah Kancey (and later Vita Vea) plays a part in this equation, but it is a group effort between them and the stable of outside linebackers. Everyone needs to do their part to get after the quarterback.

Unnecessary Penalties

Todd Bowles was surely not happy with this. In addition to the pass rush not getting home, both Yaya Diaby and Will Gholston were called for roughing the passer penalties on Jared Goff. Each of these gave the Lions 15 extra yards, which is inexcusable.

These undisciplined plays lose ballgames and make things that much harder when playing a top-tier team like the Lions.