Daily Bucs Links: Scouting the Lions

Scouting Report: Detroit Lions
Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate represent one of the toughest tasks of the year for Tampa Bay's secondary, but it is Detroit's stifling defense that has really led the team to an 8-4 record

Buccaneer Quotes: A Fresh Gerald McCoy
All-Pro DT Gerald McCoy is taking a slightly smaller percentage of the team's defensive snaps in an effort to keep him at peak effectiveness in key game situations...Plus injury updates and additional quotes

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Michael Johnson worst NFL offseason move? - ESPN
We have documented, several times over, that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' crop of free agents isn't living up to its billing.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers think less Gerald McCoy is better - ESPN
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been resting defensive tackle Gerald McCoy more to keep him sharp in the fourth quarter.

Banks Leading The Way For The Secondary | Pewter Report
Throughout the season the Buccaneers defense has gotten steady production from their interior front with Gerald McCoy and Clinton McDonald. But now, with the help of newcomer Jacquies Smith finally providing the outside pressure they were looking for, the secondary unit is finally coming together as well.

Bucs CB Banks seizes opportunity | TBO.com, The Tampa Tribune and The Tampa Times
TAMPA — You could safely say Johnthan Banks has passed the audition.

Bucs Hot Reads: DTs McCoy, Suh not rivals | TBO.com, The Tampa Tribune and The Tampa Times
Arguably the two best defensive tackles in the league, Lions DT NDamukong Suh and Bucs DT Gerald McCoy will forever be linked and compared, but McCoy says there’s no rivalry between the Pro Bowlers.

Scouting Report, Week 14: How Lions will deploy Megatron to beat Bucs (w/film review) | Tampa Bay Times
As Calvin Johnson begins his leap at the 6-yard line, two Bears defenders converge. He stretches, knowing he might have to absorb a hit. The ball glides between cornerback Kyle Fuller and safety Brock Vereen, and Johnson hauls it in with his fingertips. Fuller swipes, but he's a step too late and about five inches too short. Touchdown, Lions.

Bucs' William Gholston sees playing time diminish | Tampa Bay Times
TAMPA — When Bucs defensive end Adrian Clayborn was lost for the season after one game, second-year pro Will Gholston had a huge opportunity, stepping into a starting role after showing promise at the end of his rookie year.

5 ridiculous NFL playoff scenarios - SBNation.com
ESPN's playoff scenario generator is back. Let's get crazy.

98.7 The Fan - (AUDIO) Greg Cosell: "The More You See McCown Play, The More You Realize Why He Was A Backup"

The process of evaluating quarterbacks | National Football Post
What do the scouts look for?