Lovie Smith faces another NFC North foe as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face off against the Detroit Lions. This game features some top wide receivers. It also features two defensive lineman that are often compared to each other. Both were drafted out of the same class and have been Pro-Bowl caliber players for their team. Another similarity, both have new head coaches. Lovie Smith for Tampa and Jim Caldwell for the Lions. The last time these two teams met was in 2013 also in Detroit. There's some key matchups to look for as well as a look back at the 2013 matchup.

The last time that these two opponents played was in 2013. The head coaches were Greg Schiano for the Buccaneers and Jim Schwartz for Detroit. Tampa Bay had a similar record of 3-8 and managed to pull off the upset. Matthew Stafford threw four interceptions in that contest. Meanwhile, Mike Glennon had a great game with zero interceptions. Jonathan Banks made a crucial interception which would lead to a Buccaneers win. The Buccaneers won by a score of 24 to 21, and they are hoping for the same outcome in 2014. 

This game features some tough matchups for both defenses. No doubt, Calvin Johnson will be the tough one for Alterraun Verner and Jonathan Banks to cover him. Johnson is absolutely a matchup nightmare for teams. The Buccaneers did a good job in 2013 of controlling him. Not only will Banks have his hands full but so will Verner. Golden Tate is on the team and he's a major offensive factor for the Lions. The Buccaneers secondary is going to have to be the best against this Lions team. Also, Theo Riddick, the former Notre Dame WR/RB has really come on the spot. Ndamukong Suh will have to be stopped. Fortunately, Evan Dietrich- Smith is back, some of the tight ends, and Lavonte David are back and healthy.  

The Detroit Lions will have the same tough matchups that the Buccaneers defense will have. Gerald McCoy will be looking to be a premiere pass rusher in this game. If they don't stop him it's going to be a tough day. Next, Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson create difficult matchups for any team. They also have to worry about other players like Doug Martin and Louis Murphy too. Solomon Patton was resigned for the Buccaneers as the returner. Maybe he'll create an offensive spark on special teams.

Lions safety Glover Quin on the Buccaneers offense, "Vincent Jackson's been in a long time. Pretty sure he's taken Mike under his wings and teaching him. But not quite often you play two receivers both 6-5, 230-plus pounds. Mike Evans, he stretches the field. They throw it up to him down the field, and he's been making big plays for him. They've got two talented guys on the outside."

Greald McCoy on Ndamukong Suh, "He's an awesome player and I wish him all of the best," McCoy said during a teleconference Wednesday. "I hope when his contract does come up, he breaks the bank. He's an All-Pro, Pro Bowl player. He was rookie of the year. He's just a dominating force since he's been in the league."

Finally, Lovie Smith, "It's not football season for me without having to deal with Calvin Johnson," says Lovie Smith, fondly recalling his days in NFC North.

This will be an entertaining matchup to look as both teams are fighting for playoff position in the NFC, and to the victor will go the spoils.