Football's back, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the Detroit Lions today. After months of inactivity, finally, we'll get to see the Bucs play again!
Dekoda Watson is active and available, despite being limited by a hamstring injury the past week. Watson looked very good as an edge rusher in preseason, and he should add a new dimension to a seemingly much-improved pass rush. Anthony Gaitor being inactive is mildly disappointing for me as well. I would rather see Anthony Gaitor on the field than Elbert Mack, who could be challenged by the Lions' spread sets as the fourth cornerback.
DT Nick Fairley and CB Alphonso Smith being inactive for the Lions should boost the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fairley never looked like playing because of a foot injury, but it gives the Lions just a little less depth on the defensive line. Alphonso Smith is their most competent nickel cornerback, and this hurts their secondary depth.
Buccaneers Inactives: RB Allen Bradford, S Larry Asante, CB Myron Lewis, CB Anthony Gaitor, T Demar Dotson, G Derek Hardman and TE Zack Pianalto.
Lions Inactives: QB Drew Stanton, CB Alphonso Smith, RB Keiland Williams, LB Doug Hogue, G Jacques McClendon, T Jason Fox and DT Nick Fairley.