Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 15

After losing to the Lions twice last season, once at home Week 6 and another in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at Ford Field that ended their season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers exacted a bit of revenge Sunday by downing Detroit, 20-16, at Ford Field.

Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield continued his terrific start to the season with a passing touchdown and one rushing. He made multiple plays with his legs to escape pressure and extend plays.

Detroit’s offense was never really able to get on track for the second straight week. Detroit settled for too many field goals and were just 1-for-7 in the red zone, which was the big story of the game for Detroit in a close loss. The Lions were a top three offense in the red zone last year, but credit the Bucs for winning that battle Sunday.

Trailing 20-16 with 5 minutes, 12 seconds on the clock and starting at their own 18-yard line, quarterback Jared Goff drove the Lions down to the Bucs’ 10-yard line with a little more than a minute left but couldn’t convert on 4th & 8 as the Lions turned it over.

After the defense forced a three-and-out, Detroit got the ball back at the Bucs’ 44-yard line with 33 seconds left. Detroit got as far as the Bucs’ 28-yard line before turning it over on downs again without a shot to the end zone as they fell to 1-1 on the season.