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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ two-game winning streak ended Monday night as the Lions dominated the Bucs en route to a 24-9 victory.
But much of the talk after the game centered around the officiating of the game – not the Lions’ performance. In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield confronted one of the referees.
Mayfield was later asked about the heated exchange. He went on to share his thoughts on his experience officiating on Monday night.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) reacts against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Ford Field on Oct. 20, 2025 in Detroit. (Lon Horwedel/Imagn Images)
“A defensive tackle call on third down that wasn’t called and also still pretty confused about the double review,” Mayfield said. “A lot of things in that game that were a little questionable … I’m working hard and I’m putting a lot into this game so when [calls are made] which I don’t think are fair, I will tell somebody.”
The controversial review Mayfield referenced occurred in the second half after the Heisman Trophy winner completed a short pass to Tampa Bay tight end Cade Otton on fourth down.
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After a challenge from the Lions, officials initially upheld the ruling that Otton completed the catch. It was also determined that Otton gained the necessary yardage for a first down. But an umpire returned to the video review monitor and eventually announced that the on-field call had been overturned.
Baker Mayfield (6) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to pass in the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Oct. 20, 2025 in Detroit. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The conversion gave the Lions possession and also resulted in the recovery of a timeout.
An overturned play earlier in the game also drew outrage. The officials ruled that a three-yard pass intended for Otton was intercepted by the Lions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) makes a pass against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Oct. 20, 2025. (Junfu Han/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Aside from the officiating controversy, the Bucs had little success finding a counter to the Lions’ running game. Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 136 yards and scored two touchdowns, while running back David Montgomery added 21 yards for the Lions.
In contrast, Tampa Bay managed to generate a total of 41 yards on the ground.
Star wide receiver Mike Evans left the game on a medical cart. He has since been diagnosed with a broken collarbone. The New Orleans Saints host the Bucs on Sunday in a matchup of NFC South rivals.
