The Detroit Lions hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. The Bucs came into Detroit looking for revenge versus the team that sent them packing in the playoffs last season. Both teams were looking to make it 2-0 in the young season. A big early season matchup for two NFC teams looking to make the playoffs this year. This game could become critical at the end of the season for tie breaking purposes.
Detroit Lions in the First half
The Detroit Lions started week 2 slowly. Baker Mayfield and the Bucs got into the redzone quickly as Terrion Arnold was called for a big defensive interference call on the opening drive. Aiden Hutchinson and company did not bend easily. Hutch had a Santa Claus size sack, as they held Tampa to a field goal after being 1st and goal.
The Detroit Lions first drive ended with a Jared Goff interception on the first offensive play. Again Hutchinson and the crew in Honolulu Blue held the Bucs to another field goal making the game 6-0. Aiden Hutchinson would add two more sacks in the first half leading Detroit’s defense by example.
Offensively Amon-ra St. Brown had surpassed week 1 in catches. Brown was nonexistent in the pass game week 1 and really needed a nice bounce back game. Jameson Williams added a 50 yard catch to begin where he left off last week against the Rams.
Dan Campbell was not shy with his decisions in the first half even getting Jack Fox involved in the passing game with a fake punt from their own 20 yard line. The Lions went 2 for 2 on 4th down living up to Dan “Gambles” nickname. Even with the aggressive play calls Detroit trailed the Bucs at half.
Second Half Different Story?
The Detroit Lions received the ball at half that resulted in another red zone field goal by former Michigan Panther and now Detroit Lions kicker, Jake Bates. Aiden Hutchinson then added his 4th sack of the day on Quarterback Baker Mayfield. Hutch was the first Lions player since Keith Ferguson in 1986, to have four plus sacks in game. The Lions were able to drive down the field to take the lead 16-13 after David Montgomery was able to pound the rock at the goal line.
The Second half was proven to be a back and forth game. Baker Mayfield was a magician with his legs leading the Bucs down the field with ease. Mayfield called his own number with an 11 yard touchdown run capping a 70 yard drive and scoring his 8th career rushing touchdown. Tampa took the lead 20-16 going into the 4th quarter.
As the Detroit Lions were driving, trying to take a 4th quarter lead, Jared Goff was intercepted for the 2nd time as he was hit by a Tampa defensive rush. The Lions defense then forced a timely 3 and out giving the offense plenty of time to try to drive down the field and take the lead.
Detroit started its drive with 5 mins left of the game, trailing by 4. Jahmyr Gibbs had a huge 4th down pickup from help with a big block from receiver Jameson Williams. The Lions failed to score after falling a couple yards short on a pass to Gibbs in the red zone.
Detroit Lions defense held the Bucs on a late 3 and out giving Goff a chance with 33 seconds to move down the field with great field position. The offense started the drive at the opponent 45 with one timeout. Amon-ra St. Brown came up limping after a 9 yard catch to begin the drive after 119 yards total. It came down to one play with 6 seconds left, 4th down and needing a touchdown. Goff grounded the ball in front of the receiver to turn the ball over on downs.
Final Thoughts
Lions lost to the Buccaneers 20-16. The Detroit Lions were preseason Super Bowl Contenders. You heard that correctly. Seems like the start of an opening line to a comedic standup. If this is going to become a reality, quarterback Jared Goff and the offense has to play better. Last year the Lions were a “Cinderella Story” but this year every opponent will be bring their absolute best against Detroit.
The story of the game was Detroit being 1 for 7 in the red zone. Hutchinson might be a smart bet for Defensive Player of the year after and outstanding game. The play of the offense was unacceptable and if this continues the Detroit Lions won’t live up to their late playoff run expectation.
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