In every Lions game, Jahmyr Gibbs seeks to “shine,” and that’s exactly what happened on Monday night in the 24-9 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Gibbs had a spectacular performance, accumulating 218 yards and two rushing touchdowns. The Lions continue to prove to be one of the best teams in the NFL.
After falling to Kansas City in Week 6, Detroit bounced back with another home victory, debuting their all-black uniforms for the first time this season. Since the start of the 2022 campaign, Detroit has a 13-4 record following a loss, the second-best record in the NFL in that span.
Highlights of the meeting
Detroit Lions (5-2)Most surprising performance: Despite playing without their starting safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, and cornerback Terrion Arnold, Detroit’s defense held firm, especially their secondary, which forced the Bucs’ two turnovers in the first half. The unit limited Tampa Bay’s offense to 58 yards in the first two quarters and 251 in total, in addition to achieving four sacks. Lions cornerback Amik Robertson forced a fumble that was recovered by defensive end Aidan Hutchinson in the second quarter, and cornerback Arthur Maulet intercepted a pass to Bucs tight end Cade Otton.Biggest problem in the game plan: Third-down conversions. Detroit went 3-of-13 on third-down attempts. Lions coach Dan Campbell expressed his dissatisfaction with his team’s third-down efficiency.Key Statistic: Gibbs had the longest run of his career in the NFL, with a 78-yard touchdown with 5:51 remaining in the first half. Gibbs’ top speed was 22.2 mph, the fastest rushing touchdown by an offensive running back this season. He is the only player in the last three seasons to reach 22 mph on a rushing touchdown, and he has done it twice, including a 70-yard touchdown against the Titans in 2024.Next game: vs. Minnesota Vikings (November 2nd)Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2)With the return of Mike Evans and the addition of Emeka Egbuka, expectations were high for Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, especially considering the absences in the Lions’ secondary. However, things didn’t go as expected.
The offense struggled, and Mayfield’s connection with Egbuka was not efficient. Tampa Bay, which came into the game with the best record in the NFC, suffered a setback.Quarterback Performance: Mayfield looked uncomfortable, completing 28 of 50 passes for 228 yards and a touchdown with an interception. The only positive was his connection with rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson for a 22-yard touchdown. Mayfield also lost a fumble after being sacked by Al-Quadin Muhammad and Tyrus Wheat.Biggest problem in the game plan: As in the games against the Atlanta Falcons and the Houston Texans, the Bucs’ defense conceded an explosive play and a touchdown on the first offensive series. Tampa Bay showed vulnerability in the short game throughout the match.Biggest surprise: The Bucs’ run defense, which ranked fifth in the league allowing 3.7 yards per carry, conceded 5.1 yards per carry and 164 rushing yards to the Lions. Gibbs’ 78-yard touchdown run in the second quarter was the fifth-longest play allowed by the Bucs’ defense in team history.Next match: against the New Orleans Saints
