In a game many expected to be a shootout, it turned into a defensive struggle as the Detroit Lions fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-16, dropping to 1-1 on the season.
The Lions’ defense dominated, applying consistent pressure on Baker Mayfield and completely shutting down the Buccaneers’ run game. Typically, this would be a winning formula for Detroit, but the offense simply couldn’t find its rhythm. Despite outgaining Tampa Bay 463 to 216 yards, the Lions struggled in the red zone, converting just 1 of 7 opportunities. With numerous chances to put the game away, Detroit failed to capitalize, leading to widespread frustration in a game they should have controlled from start to finish.
While there were standout performances, some players and units underperformed. Let’s dive into the Studs and Duds from the Lions’ disappointing loss to the Buccaneers.
Stud: Aidan Hutchinson
Dud: Jared Goff
Jared Goff has struggled to find his rhythm through the first two games, and his performance against the Buccaneers was no different. He opened the game with an interception and later threw another errant pass in the middle of the field with no Lions receiver in sight. Goff repeatedly made questionable decisions, often throwing behind the line of scrimmage or short of the first-down marker in crucial moments, putting the Lions in difficult situations. It’s still early in the season, and Goff has the talent to turn things around, but his recent struggles have been hard to watch—especially knowing what he’s capable of when he’s at his best. The Lions will need him to regain his form quickly as the season progresses.
Stud: Amon-Ra St. Brown
Dud: Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta has been a shadow of the player many expected him to be this season, especially after his dominant rookie campaign. Aside from a couple of late-game catches, he was largely a non-factor, particularly in a game where the Lions desperately needed a reliable option outside of Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Calling his performance “disappointing” might even be an understatement—he hasn’t been the dependable red zone target or consistent playmaker many hoped for through the first few games. For the Lions to get their offense back on track, they’ll need to find a way to get their second-year tight end more involved and reignite the potential he showed last season.
Stud: Levi Onwuzurike
Dud: Ben Johnson
It’s hard to tell if Ben Johnson is overthinking his play-calling or if the offense is still searching for its identity, but so far, the Lions’ attack has been a shadow of its former self. The game plan against the Buccaneers was puzzling, with too many plays designed behind the line of scrimmage, forcing players to create something out of nothing rather than putting them in advantageous situations. Given the speed and aggressiveness of Tampa Bay’s defense, this approach was unlikely to succeed from the start. While it’s too early in the season to panic, you have to wonder if Johnson needs to reevaluate his strategy and return to the basics to get this offense firing on all cylinders again. A reset might be just what the Lions need to regain their offensive spark.