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The Detroit Lions made a big statement Monday night with a 24-9 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Lions hoped to avoid dropping their third game of the season when they welcomed the Buccaneers to Ford Field. Baker Mayfield got talk of being a candidate for MVP, but also had to deal with injuries to two of his weapons in Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka.
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Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) celebrates his touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Detroit opened the game with a touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs followed up in the second quarter when he burst through a huge hole created by his offensive line and scored a 78-yard touchdown.
Goff was 20-of-29 for 241 yards, a touchdown pass and an interception. Gibbs ran for 136 yards and two touchdowns. He also had three catches for 82 yards.
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) celebrates his touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with teammate guard Tate Ratledge (69) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard was able to get his defense primed and ready to bother Mayfield and the Buccaneers all night long.
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The defense was able to get to Mayfield four times in the game and force two turnovers.
The last time the Lions allowed fewer than 10 points was against the Minnesota Vikings in the final week of the 2024 regular season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) is carted off the field after an injury during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Evans and Egbuka entered the game with a bang. Evans ended up leaving the fight after suffering a concussion and a shoulder injury. Egbuka was targeted several times but was unable to do enough to give Mayfield a lifeline during the game.
Mayfield was 28-of-50 for 228 yards and a touchdown pass to Tez Johnson, who had four catches for 58 yards. Cade Otton led the Buccaneers’ receivers with seven catches for 65 yards.
Detroit moved to 5-2 with the win and asserted itself as one of the top teams in the NFC. Despite losses to the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs, the Lions showed no signs of taking their feet off the gas pedal.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) celebrates a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Tampa Bay fell to 5-2 and could really use a bye week to get healthy. The Buccaneers will get their wish in two weeks. Next week they hit the road to take on the New Orleans Saints.
