Studs and Duds for the Lions loss to the Buccaneers

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

Sep 15, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) gets sacked by Detroit Lions defensive ends Levi Onwuzurike (91) and Aidan Hutchinson (97) in the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images

If you’re looking for the reason the Lions stayed in this game, look no further than Aidan Hutchinson. He was a relentless force against the Buccaneers’ offensive line, racking up 4.5 sacks and constantly pressuring Baker Mayfield. Hutchinson took full advantage of Tampa Bay’s injury-depleted O-line, disrupting any rhythm their offense tried to establish. If he continues at this pace through the first two games, there’s no doubt Hutchinson will find himself in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year. His impact has been game-changing, and he’s quickly emerging as one of the most dominant defensive players in the league.

Dud: Jared Goff

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions looks on against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Ford Field on September 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

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

Dec 16, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrates in the end zone with wide receiver Kalif Raymond (right) and wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) and center Frank Ragnow (left) after scoring a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

After a quiet performance against the Los Angeles Rams, Amon-Ra St. Brown silenced the doubters in a big way. Goff’s go-to target all game, St. Brown saw a team-high 19 targets, turning them into 11 catches for 119 yards. Despite appearing to deal with some sort of injury early on, he powered through, consistently racking up yards and making key plays. St. Brown’s toughness and reliability were on full display, proving that he gives everything he has week in and week out. Once the Lions’ offense gets into a rhythm, there’s no doubt St. Brown will be at the forefront of that resurgence. Doubting him now would be a mistake.

Dud: Sam LaPorta

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) runs for a first down against Los Angeles Rams during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, September 8, 2024.

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

Defensive end Levi Onwuzurike practices during minicamp at Detroit Lions headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

Levi Onwuzurike has faced setback after setback with injuries since being drafted, leaving many to question whether he’d ever make an impact. So far this season, however, he’s silenced those doubts and lived up to the training camp hype. Onwuzurike has been a constant force along the defensive line, regularly creating pressure and disrupting the backfield, which played a key role in holding the Buccaneers’ offense in check. He even combined with Aidan Hutchinson for a half sack, and it’s fair to say that Onwuzurike’s pressure helped create opportunities for some of Hutchinson’s big plays. It’s been a revelation to see him healthy and making a difference, and his presence has been a major boost for the Lions’ defensive front.

Dud: Ben Johnson

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson watches practice during mini camp at Detroit Lions headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

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.

This article was originally published by Usatoday.com. Read the original article here.