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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.
However, much of the post-match discussion was focused on the officiating of the match – 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 then shared his thoughts on his experience as a referee on Monday evening.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) reacts against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Ford Field on October 20, 2025 in Detroit. (Lon Horwedel/Imagn Images)
“A third defensive outfit that hasn’t been called up, and also is still pretty confused about the double review,” Mayfield said. “A lot of things in this game were a little questionable…I’m working hard and I put a lot into this game, so when [calls are made] that I don’t think are fair, I’m going to let someone know.”
The controversial review Mayfield referred to 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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Following a challenge from the Lions, officials initially upheld the ruling that Otton had completed the capture. It was also determined that Otto had gained the necessary ground for a first down. However, a referee returned to the video viewing monitor and eventually announced that the on-field call had been overturned.
Baker Mayfield (6) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers appears to pass in the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 20, 2025 in Detroit. (Grégory Shamus/Getty Images)
The overthrow awarded the Lions possession and also resulted in the restoration of a timeout.
A called play earlier in the game also sparked outrage. The referees ruled that a three-yard pass intended for Otton was intercepted by the Lions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on October 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 ran for 136 yards and scored two touchdowns, while running back David Montgomery added 21 yards for the Lions.
On the other hand, Tampa Bay managed to generate a total of 41 yards on the ground.
Star receiver Mike Evans left the game on a medical cart. He has since been diagnosed with a broken collarbone. The New Orleans Saints will host the Bucs on Sunday in a clash of NFC South rivals.
