[Music] we've received some exciting news recently and I have to admit it got me really pumped over the past few weeks we've seen some unexpected changes from our front office but this latest one could be crucial especially if you're paying attention to our kicking game Let's dive in about 2 weeks ago GM Brad Holmes hinted that the lions were looking to strengthen the kicking room his exact words were we're still considering adding another kicker someone with more experience well guess what it looks like the Lions found their man according to reports veteran kicker Greg Joseph is signing with a practice squad Joseph has had quite a journey after going undrafted in 2018 he made a name for himself with a Cleveland Browns where he hit 17 of 20 field goals he showed consistency within 40 yards going 11 for 11 later he found stability with the Vikings making 883 of 101 field goals over three seasons and who can forget his career-long 61 yard field goal the guy's got a leg so what does this mean for the Lions current kicker Jake Bates honestly I don't think he's in danger just yet Bates might have had some shaky moments but what it mattered most in week one he delivered still bringing in a veteran like Joseph is just smart business Bates can learn from him and we'll have a solid backup if anything goes wrong Holmes and Dan Campbell are building something special folks they're thinking longterm not just about winning now and Joseph's experience could be crucial in those nail biting games where every Point counts the signing isn't official yet but all signs point to it happening soon now let's not fool ourselves the Bucks aren't pushovers Baker Mayfield might not be the flashiest name in the league anymore but after throwing four touchdowns in his debut he's reminding everyone that he still has some fight left in him and with weapons like Chris Godwin and Mike Evans on the field our secondary will have their hands full but you know what I believe in this team this season already feels different doesn't it you can see the Swagger on both sides of the ball our defense is stepping up making plays when it counts and our offense led by Jared Goff has been more than reliable but to keep up the momentum especially against a team like the Bucks we need to focus on a few key areas contain Baker Mayfield sure he's been inconsistent in the past but when he's hot he can tear apart defenses we have to pressure him early and often knock him off his rhythm Force those bad throws and our secondary with ballhawks like Kirby Joseph will be ready to capitalize win the turnover battle this has been the key to our success we've been great at forcing turnovers but the Bucks know how to capitalize on mistakes too if we can stay clean on offense and force Mayfield into some bad throws we'll be in great shape specially teams matter and this goes back to the Greg Joseph signing the Bucks have a strong kicker in Chase McLaughlin and if this game comes down to a field goal battle having a veteran like Joseph could make all the difference whether it's Joseph or Bates we need our kicking game to be sharp this is the kind of matchup that will show how far we've come last year this would have been a trap game a solid team but one we'd stumble against not anymore the lions are ready to prove that we're not just here to compete we're here to win and not just win a few games but to make a real playoff push so here's my question for you one Pride do you think we have what it takes to beat the Bucks and keep this streak alive where the keys to this matchup in your view and do you think the lions are finally shedding that Underdog label and stepping into the spotlight is serious contenders drop your thoughts in the comments below and let's start this conversation the lions are playing inspired football right now and it's about time the league took notice we've been The Underdogs for too long but now it's time to Roar one Pride as a lions fan I'll be honest this team has me more excited than any in recent years we're finally seeing a long-term plan come to fruition with Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell building something special we're no longer the team everyone underestimates we're a team opponent's respect and even fear as for the upcoming game against the Buccaneers I believe it's yet another opportunity to prove that we're ready to compete with anyone Baker Mayfield may have had a good start to the season but our defense has been solid especially when it comes to quarterback pressure and forcing turnovers I'm confident that Aiden Hutchinson and Company will make Mayfield uncomfortable the arrival of a veteran like Greg Joseph to our special teams is another smart move by Holmes I don't think Jake Bates will lose his spot right away but having experienced guy in the group is always a plus it gives us more Security in games that might be decided by just a few points now talking about that whole lions are cheating because of the uniform color and Stadium honestly it's funny this kind of accusation only comes up when a team starts winning regularly we're bothering a lot of people and that's the best sign that we're on the right track the liines are playing solid smart football within the rules This is Our Moment what I want to see in the game against the Bucks I want us to keep dominating in the running game if for Jared Goff to maintain consistency if we control the clock and are efficient on third Downs the Victory Is Ours and let me tell you this team not only has what it takes to reach the playoffs but to make some noise when we get there what do you guys think are we ready to take that next step I want to hear your opinions because as a longtime fan I've never been this optimistic