In a dramatic Week 2 NFL matchup, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers exacted revenge on the Detroit Lions in a rematch of last season’s divisional playoff, securing a 20-16 victory on Sunday. Tampa Bay, now 2-0, rallied behind the dynamic play of quarterback Baker Mayfield, whose late third-quarter heroics swung the game in the Bucs’ favor.
Mayfield’s game-winning play came on a designed 11-yard run that saw him weave through the Lions’ defense, zig-zagging into the end zone to put the Buccaneers ahead for good. The touchdown came just one play after Mayfield had converted a crucial third down with another 11-yard scramble. His ability to make plays with both his legs and his arm proved vital in this tightly contested game, as he finished the day with 12 completions on 19 attempts for 185 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown pass to Chris Godwin in the second quarter. Mayfield also contributed 35 rushing yards on four attempts, including the decisive touchdown.
Godwin was a key target throughout the game, racking up seven receptions for 117 yards, including his second-quarter touchdown, which initially gave the Bucs the lead. The Lions (1-1), led by quarterback Jared Goff, struggled to capitalize on their opportunities in the red zone, converting just 1 of 7 chances. Goff threw two interceptions and had a couple more passes that could have been picked off, finishing the game 34-of-55 for 307 yards.
Detroit, coming off a 31-23 divisional playoff win over Tampa Bay in January and a 20-6 regular-season victory over the Bucs last October, couldn’t replicate that success. The Lions managed only one touchdown and relied on field goals to stay within striking distance. Goff’s top target, Amon-Ra St. Brown, had a strong game with 11 receptions for 119 yards, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the team’s mistakes.
The Lions had two final chances to take the lead late in the fourth quarter, but Tampa Bay’s defense held strong. Detroit turned the ball over on downs twice, once at the Bucs’ 6-yard line with just under a minute remaining, and again at the Tampa Bay 26-yard line with two seconds left, sealing the victory for the Buccaneers.
Aidan Hutchinson was a standout for Detroit, recording a career-high five sacks, three of which came in the first quarter. However, the Lions’ defense couldn’t prevent Mayfield’s pivotal third-quarter touchdown run.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell took responsibility for a costly mistake in the first half that caused confusion on the field, resulting in both the offense and special teams units being on the field at the same time. The error led to a flag, which ran time off the clock and prevented Detroit from attempting a short field goal that could have pulled them within four points.
Despite the loss, Detroit remains a strong contender, but this game was a reminder of the small margins that define victory in the NFL. Tampa Bay, buoyed by Mayfield’s leadership and clutch plays, will look to build on its perfect start to the season as it seeks to make another playoff run.
