Getting one’s head right.

So how do the Bucs prepare for the physical Lions today? Yes, the Bucs played the Lions three months ago. That may as well be three years ago.

The Lions are a very physical team. It was that physicality that doomed the Bucs back in October, Joe thought, in a two-score Lions win in Week 6.

In the days leading up to Monday’s rematch with the Eagles, Joe heard often that the Bucs were a different team since those teams played in Week 3. So Joe asked Bucs running back Rachaad White if that same standard applies today.

“I would say, yeah,” White said. “I mean, yeah. Even at this point the Lions are a different team. You have a new spark of life right now [winning games in the playoffs]. We are now 1-0. No more 9-8 or [12-5]. It’s win or go home.

“So right now we both advanced to the divisional round. We are both 1-0 in the playoffs and of course we are looking to go 2-0. So yeah, we are totally different teams.”

White thinks today’s game simply comes down to making more plays than the Lions.

“They made more plays than on their offense,” White said of the difference in their Week 6 game. “Our defense probably feels like they let up a couple of plays.

“Their defense did a good job on us. We have to catch the ball. We have to make the plays with the opportunities when they come.”

But what about physicality? The last physical team the Bucs played smoked them three weeks ago.

Of course, Philadelphia is a physical team but dang, did the Eagles look shot on Monday night.

So how do the Bucs prepare? White believes the answer lies between the ears.

“It’s a mindset thing,” White said. “How do you prepare? …

“When you go out there Sunday, your body [aches], all that stuff doesn’t matter. It’s a win-or-go-home game. So all that [aches and pains] goes out the window. It’s a mindset game. At the end of the day, it’s who wants it more? Who makes the least mistakes?

“Everybody’s tired. Everybody’s banged up. Guys who were banged up came back [Monday night]. That’s the importance of this time of the year. It’s a mindset thing.”

Can that mindset put up points today? Can that mindset limit the Lions?

Baker gonna bake 👨‍🍳@SteveMariucci | @Geraldini93 | @Buccaneers pic.twitter.com/wId28hfljO

— NFL GameDay (@NFLGameDay) January 20, 2024