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The Detroit Lions made a huge statement Monday night with a 24-9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Lions hoped to avoid losing their third game of the season by hosting the Buccaneers at Ford Field. Baker Mayfield was being talked about as an MVP candidate, but also had to deal with injuries to two of his weapons, 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 it up in the second quarter when he ran through a giant hole made by his offensive line and scored a 78-yard touchdown.
Goff finished 20 of 29 for 241 yards, one touchdown pass and one 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 ready and 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 carried 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 came into the match in fine form. Evans ended up leaving the game after suffering a concussion and shoulder injury. Egbuka was targeted on several occasions but was unable to do enough to give Mayfield a lifeline during the match.
Mayfield finished 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 improved to 5-2 with the win and cemented itself as one of the best teams in the NFC. Despite losses to the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs, the Lions have shown no signs of taking their foot off the gas.
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 will hit the road to face the New Orleans Saints.
