After nearly making their first Super Bowl in 2023 with a run to the NFC Championship, they stumbled in their first setback of the season, losing 20-16 to the Buccaneers.
Jared Goff, the Lions’ quarterback, felt a pass interference penalty should have been called on his first throw, an interception targeting Jameson Williams. According to Goff, Williams was disrupted by a defender, but no flag was thrown, allowing the Buccaneers to gain possession and capitalize with a field goal, which gave them an early 6-0 lead.
That missed call loomed large for Detroit, with fans likely to remember it throughout the week.
However, the game wasn’t solely decided by this interception.
Goff and the Lions’ offense struggled overall. The team leaned heavily on Goff’s passing, with 55 throws compared to only 27 rushes. Despite the volume, Goff managed just 307 yards and threw two interceptions. There were also multiple near-turnovers, and Goff seemed off his game.
Goff had chances to win late. Detroit had two possessions in the final five minutes but failed to score a game-winning touchdown.
Coach Dan Campbell took responsibility for a critical error before halftime, which led to a penalty and a 10-second runoff, denying the Lions a field goal attempt. Campbell admitted the mistake cost them the game.
Had that field goal been made, Detroit could have won with another one in the fourth quarter.
On the defensive side, Aidan Hutchinson shined, recording four-and-a-half sacks as the Lions held the Buccaneers to 20 points.
