The Detroit Lions got back to their winning ways in front of a national audience at Ford Field on Monday Night Football.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers came into Monday's matchup with the NFC's best record at 5-1 but were stymied by an undermanned Lions' defense that played inspired football helping lead Detroit to a 24-9 win.
Detroit's defense allowed just 58 yards of offense in the first half and 251 for the game while creating two key takeaways and countless other big plays, including two turnovers on downs late in the game to help preserve the win. Detroit improves to 5-2 as they head to their bye week.
Despite being without starting cornerbacks D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold and starting safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, Detroit's reserves in the secondary stepped up and played terrific. Amik Robertson forced a fumble, Arthur Maulet had an interception, Nick Whiteside knocked away a two-point try and defended three passes total, and Erick Hallett led the team with eight tackles. Detroit's secondary had eight passes defended in the contest.
Offensively, Tampa Bay had no answer for Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who totaled 218 scrimmage yards (136 rushing, 82 receiving) and two touchdowns (78 & 5). Gibbs has now produced eight career games with at least two rushing touchdowns, which ties Billy Sims for the second-most in franchise history.
Detroit also got a 27-yard receiving touchdown by Amon-Ra St. Brown on their opening possession of the game.
QB comparison: Jared Goff completed 20 of his 29 pass attempts in the contest for 241 yards with one touchdown. He also lost a fumble and threw an interception, both in the first half, and finished with a passer rating of 91.3. Goff was sacked four times in the contest.
Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield finished 28-of-50 passing for 228 yards with one touchdown, one interception and a 66.1 rating. Mayfield was also sacked four times (Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Tyrus Wheat and Al-Quadin Muhammad)
Big moment: Leading 21-9 early in the fourth quarter, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles opted to go for a 4th & 5 at the Bucs' 35-yard line. Mayfield found tight end Cade Otton for what was initially ruled a first down on a catch and reach for the line to gain. It was reviewed after Lions head coach Dan Campbell challenged the spot and upheld.
A short moment later, referee John Hussey ruled that after a second look Otton was short of the line to gain and Detroit took over at the Tampa Bay 40-yard line.
Detroit turned that into a 58-yard Jake Bates field goal to increase their lead to 24-9 with 10 minutes and 18 seconds remaining.
Key stat: Detroit's defense held Tampa Bay to 4-of-16 converting on third down. The Bucs were 2-for-5 on fourth down.
Star performance: Gibbs was a one-man wrecking crew for the Lions, rushing for 136 yards on 17 carries for an 8.0-yard average per rush and two touchdowns, including a 78-yard touchdown in the first half that gave Detroit a 14-0 lead at the time.
Gibbs also caught three passes for another 82 yards to give him 218 total scrimmage yards on the night. Gibbs is the first Lion since Kevin Smith in 2011 to record 200-plus scrimmage yards and two rushing touchdowns in a single game.
Injury report: Detroit had a number of players leave the game due to cramping, including cornerback Rock-Ya Sin, who did not return after leaving in the fourth quarter.
Up next: Bye week
