Last meeting
In 2005, the Bucs defeated the Lions 17-13 behind a two-touchdown, 302-yard performance by QB Brian Griese.
Streaks
The Buccaneers have won four in a row and six of the last seven games, but the Lions lead the overall series 26-24.
Last week
Tampa Bay narrowly defeated the Titans 13-10. After Tennessee tied the score in the fourth quarter, quarterback Jeff Garcia completed four conseuctive passes to set up Matt Bryant's 43-yard, winning field goal. ... The Lions, who got crushed by Washington 34-3 in Week 5, had a bye last week.
Key matchup:
Buccaneers defense vs. Lions quarterback Jon Kitna. The Lions face a top-tier defense for the fourth consecutive week. The Buccaneers rank eighth against the pass and opponents have averaged fewer than 15 points a game. Tampa Bay CB Philip Buchanon made a key interception at the 5-yard line to keep the Titans out of the end zone last week. The Lions struggled against a tough Redskins defense two weeks ago, a game in which Kitna completed just 16 of 29 passes for 106 yards, no TDs and two interceptions, while being sacked six times.
Did you know?
Garcia, who has a career-long 164 consecutive pass attempts without an interception dating to last season, spent 2005 with Detroit and started five games. This season, he ranks second in the NFC with an average of 8.25 yards per attempt and a 103.6 passer rating. ... Detroit receiver Roy Williams has six touchdowns in his past seven games. ... Newly acquired Michael Bennett could see action in this game for the Bucs.
