Poor outings for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense have been relatively infrequent since Baker Mayfield's arrival in 2023, and when there have been some bumps in the road they've often been followed by clutch end-game play to pull out the win. As Mayfield has said on more than one occasion, it's easier to take lessons from a rough game when it happens in a victory.
This week, however, the Buccaneers have to learn from a loss, one in which the offense looked out of synch for much of the night. The 24-9 defeat at the hands of the Lions in Detroit marked the team's lowest scoring output since Week Three of last season, and is one of just four games (and three losses) since Mayfield's arrival that the offense failed to score at least 10 points.
A short week following a Monday night road game is not the ideal situation for contemplating what went wrong in Detroit. The Bucs are still 5-2, tied for the most wins in the NFC, and are focused on getting back in the 'W' column next Sunday in New Orleans so they can go into their bye week with a 6-2 record. Still, Mayfield and company want to avoid further outings in which the offense is out of rhythm, so it's worth studying how the Lions, even with a very depleted secondary, were able to disrupt that rhythm.
"For me, I look at it schematically," said Mayfield. "What did they do to disrupt what we were trying to get done and where did we go wrong when we had things dialed up? For me, just execution, efficiency, finding more completions, trusting our guys and just need to get off to a hot start and get it into the guy's hands and get the guys on the same page in the run game, whatever it may be and go from there."
One of the things Detroit did to knock the Bucs' offense off kilter was take away Mayfield's superpower in 2025, which has been extending plays and picking up chunk yardage with both scrambles and throws on the run. Mayfield did not scramble once for the first time this season and he didn't launch many passes from outside the pocket.
View the top images of Tampa Bay's game against the Detroit Lions on Monday, October 20th, 2025 at Ford Field.
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Football before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers leads the team onto the field before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Cornerback Benjamin Morrison #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13, Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 and Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate a sack during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game, 30-19. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - General Manager Jason Licht of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15, Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13, Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2, Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13, Guard Mike Jordan #60, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, Guard Ben Bredeson #68 and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13, Guard Mike Jordan #60, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, Guard Ben Bredeson #68 and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, Guard Ben Bredeson #68 and Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Elijah Roberts #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Cornerback Benjamin Morrison #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles, Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 and Cornerbacks Coach Kevin Ross of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 and Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 and Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 and Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 and Defensive Lineman Elijah Simmons #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Greg Gaines #96, Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 and Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - October 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 24-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
"To be honest with you, they were extremely fundamental in the rush integrity in the gaps," he said. "On top of that, when you have Derrick Barnes as the spy, [it is] not exactly easy because he is lined up over an offensive lineman, so you have to account for him in the pass rush, but he also was really not doing any pressures, so he is just waiting for me to step up. Only a few shots there where I was able to step up and have a free lane to get a throw off, but they did a really good job."
And the Bucs definitely did not achieve balance in the offense, running a season-low 12 times for 41 yards. Some of that, obviously, had to do with being down two scores in the fourth quarter, but their early-game attempts to run the ball were not productive. Mayfield threw a season-high 50 passes, though as he points out 18 of those came on one very long and ultimately point-less drive in the final period.
"A lot of those passes -- a ton of them obviously [came] in that two-minute situation or the 19-play drive," said Mayfield. "I think the numbers are a little bit more skewed, but yeah, [we] still want to be able to be a little bit more balanced. That is just [because] receivers are going to be tired, offensive line is going to be tired, and with that defensive front, you never want to drop back 50 times. It is not really fair for anybody, but it is just the nature of the game -- the way it was flowing. If we can prevent getting into that situation, it would be best."
The Lions were clearly a difficult opponent and the raucous atmosphere at Ford Field didn't help the Bucs' offense either. Now the Bucs head to another dome that has been known to turn up the volume for their Week Eight matchup with the Saints, and Mayfield hopes to have a cleaner and more productive outing this time around.
"Some misses, I think a couple of them maybe not being on time, trying to force it and it ends up being higher than I want it to," he said of the Detroit effort. "[I] just [have] to be accurate. I think it was just one of those days. [I] was not perfect, and in those games, you have to be closer to perfect than I was."
