Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers endured a humbling Monday night in front of a national audience as the Detroit Lions dominated from start to finish. Detroit controlled the tempo early, building a 14–3 halftime advantage that eventually ballooned into a 24–9 win. The defeat dropped Tampa Bay to 5–2 on the season — still a solid record, but one that now comes with some unwanted controversy.
In the aftermath of the game, Mayfield’s postgame remarks have reportedly drawn the NFL’s attention, potentially leading to disciplinary action for his criticism of the officiating crew.
The veteran quarterback did not hold back when addressing reporters, voicing frustration over what he viewed as questionable calls throughout the game.
“There was a third-down defensive holding that never got called, and I’m still pretty confused about that double review,” Mayfield said when asked about specific officiating moments. “A lot of things out there didn’t seem right.”
Mayfield’s comments referenced a bizarre sequence late in the game. On a critical fourth-and-four play, tight end Cade Otton was initially ruled to have made a first down. After Lions coach Dan Campbell challenged the ruling, officials upheld the call — only to initiate a second review moments later that overturned the previous decision, giving Detroit possession deep in Tampa Bay territory.
Clearly frustrated, Mayfield admitted that his emotions might have gotten the better of him but stood by his right to speak out.
“There’s a lot of passion in what I do,” he said. “When things don’t seem fair, I’m going to say something — good, bad, or indifferent. That’s just who I am.”
Mayfield’s candid remarks could earn him a fine under the NFL’s rules against publicly criticizing officials. Still, he wasn’t the only one questioning the referees. Former NFL punter and sports analyst Pat McAfee echoed the quarterback’s sentiment on X (formerly Twitter), posting, “The NFL looking out for Detroit… LOVE TO SEE IT.”
Meanwhile, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles offered a more measured response. Addressing the same sequence, Bowles admitted the decision was unusual but downplayed its impact on the outcome.
“It was an interesting call after they reversed it,” Bowles said. “We did get the ball back, but it cost us time. It didn’t win or lose the game, though.”
Ultimately, the controversial call set up a 58-yard field goal from Detroit kicker Jake Bates, extending the Lions’ lead to 24–9. Tampa Bay never recovered and failed to score again.
While the Buccaneers remain firmly in playoff contention, Mayfield’s postgame outburst could lead to a costly fine — and a reminder from the league that passion must be tempered with restraint.
