--DE Greg Spires has a real affinity for Lions head coach Rod Marinelli and defensive coordinator Joe Barry, who spent many seasons in Tampa Bay. Like many Bucs defensive linemen who played under Marinelli, he wants to have a good performance Sunday.

"It's going to be good. When they watch the film, I feel like I'm being graded by two coaching staffs. This is definitely one of those games where I want to be at my best," Spires said.

--Marinelli said he isn't bothered by the prediction of QB Jon Kitna that the Lions will win 10 games.

"He is as tough as they come," said Marinelli. "He's smart. He's bright. He wants to win so doggone bad. And he's in the huddle; he looks at those guys' eyes and says, 'Hey, we've got a chance to be a good team.' He basically challenged our whole organization, 'We're good enough to do this.' Now, the challenge is out. Reminded me with Warren Sapp saying, 'Give us 17 points, we'll win.' That was a challenge to the defense. It's the same statement, 'Let's go live to this standard.' He's setting a standard and we have to come out now and live up to that standard. It's good stuff, especially how who it's coming from."

--One of the strengths of the Bucs defense is their secondary, particularly safety Jermaine Phillips and cornerback Phillip Buchanon, who have two interceptions each.

"Phillip Buchanon has been a real good addition here," Jon Gruden said. "You saw Ronde Barber show up and make some big plays for us. Jermaine Phillips has really been solid back there in the strong safety position (and), clearly, (free safety) Tanard Jackson is on the rise. He's going to be a really good pro."

The Bucs are tied for seventh in the league in interceptions with seven.

BY THE NUMBERS
Opposing quarterbacks have a passer rating of 73.5, sixth lowest in the NFL.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"The safeties. Wow. They jump right out at me. They have my attention, and our staff's right now. They've got our players' attention." -- Lions coach Rod Marinelli, on Bucs safeties Jermaine Phillips and Tanard Jackson.

PLAYER PERSONNEL NOTES

--DE Patrick Chukwurah has a shoulder sprain and did not practice Wednesday. He is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions.

--CB Brian Kelly has a groin strain and did not practice Wednesday. He is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions.

--DE Greg Spires has an ankle sprain and was limited in practice Wednesday. He is expected to play against the Lions.

--WR Ike Hilliard has a shoulder sprain and was limited in practice Wednesday. He is expected to play against the Lions.

--WR Joey Galloway took his normal Wednesday practice off and will return on Thursday.

--TE Alex Smith has an ankle sprain and did not practice Wednesday. He is listed as questionable. Smith says he hopes to play Sunday.

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