Detroit Lions (1-1) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0): 16-20
New week, new remake of the 2023 playoffs. This time, the clash between the Lions and the Buccaneers turns to the advantage of the Floridians (16-20). In a contested match dominated by defenses, Tampa Bay took the lead in the first quarter and never let go.
Right from the start of the game, Aidan Hutchinson (DE, Lions) showed what he was made of. He managed to get his hands on Baker Mayfield (QB, Buccaneers) three times in the first quarter. He even caused the quarterback to lose the ball on a strip sack. Yes, but at the same time, Jared Goff (QB, Lions) is intercepted on his first pass by Zyon McCollum (CB, Buccaneers). Nice return for the cornerback who has just come out of the concussion protocol.
The attacks are stalling and neither team is taking a real advantage. Chris Godwin (WR, Buccaneers) shows up in this first half (7 receptions, 117 yards, 1 touchdown) and allows the Buccaneers to score the first touchdown of the game. The Lions coaching staff may show the extent of its imagination, with an insane fake punt in particular, but Detroit can't do it. The defense does the job with an interception by Brian Branch (S, Lions) but the Buccaneers are ahead at halftime (13-6).
The second half started on the same basis. Another sack by Aidan Hutchinson forced a punt from the Buccaneers. The Lions managed to score their first touchdown thanks to David Montgomery (RB, Lions). Mayfield gave it his all and immediately responded by scoring a touchdown on the run.
Behind, the defenses are still making their mark. Aidan Hutchinson confirms his historic evening with an additional half-sack, and his defense intercepts Goff again. Despite a trip to the red zone in the final moments, the Lions do not convert and are as inefficient as possible: 1 touchdown in six trips. Tampa Bay holds firm and takes its revenge 20-16.
Lions lacking efficiency
The Lions did the job defensively, holding the Buccaneers to 20 points. Aidan Hutchinson (4.5 sacks) was exceptional, Brian Branch (6 tackles, 2 pass deflections, 1 interception) gave Baker Mayfield a lot of trouble.
Offensively, the numbers are far from shameful on paper. Amon-Ra St Brown (WR, Lions) finished with 11 receptions for 119 yards and Jameson Williams (WR) confirmed his current good form with 5 receptions for 79 yards. Jahmyr Gibbs (RB) showed good things with 13 carries for 84 yards and 7 receptions for 22 yards. Jared Goff finished with 34/55 for 307 yards and 2 interceptions.
The quarterback seemed to force the game a lot, especially when he was under pressure. For example, he targeted Amon-Ra St-Brown 19 times and Jameson Williams 11 times. The ground game struggled to assert itself despite Vita Vea's (DT, Buccaneers) injury during the game. While Detroit converted 3 of its 4 attempts on fourth down, this lack of efficiency was prohibitive. Dan Campbell's men must do better. This game was within their reach since they statistically dominated in all categories of the game.
The valiant Buccaneers, in the wake of Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield is being pushed around. He was being pushed around, put under pressure. But the former Brown has heart. Despite a mixed stat sheet (12/19, 185 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception), he was able to find solutions to move his team forward. Mayfield made his legs do the talking with 5 carries for 34 yards and a touchdown. Well supported by Godwin in the first half (7 receptions, 117 yards and 1 touchdown), he was able to count on a strong defense in the second half.
Led by Todd Bowles (HC), the Buccaneers defense proved itself to be up to par as it often does. Zyon McCollum (6 tackles, 2 pass deflections, 1 interception) and his backfield colleagues Jordan Whitehead (11 tackles including one for loss, 1 pass deflection) and Jamel Dean (10 tackles, 1 pass deflection) caused major problems for the Detroit offense. But it is the defense as a whole that deserves the jury's congratulations. Limiting an explosive offense like the Lions to only 16 points is not given to everyone.
With two wins in two games, the Buccaneers show that they will not be easy to maneuver this season. They certainly have something to play for in the NFC South.
