Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions match player stats from their 24-9 meeting provide a clear picture of how Detroit controlled the game on both sides of the ball. The Lions produced 379 total yards, including 164 rushing yards, while Tampa Bay finished with 251 total yards. Detroit also scored three touchdowns and limited the Buccaneers to three field goals worth of scoring.
The game featured an interesting contrast between the two quarterbacks. Baker Mayfield attempted 50 passes for Tampa Bay, completing 28 for 228 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Jared Goff was more efficient for Detroit, completing 20 of 29 passes for 241 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
The biggest statistical difference came on the ground. Jahmyr Gibbs rushed 17 times for 136 yards and two touchdowns. His 78-yard touchdown run was the longest rushing play of the game. Detroit finished with 164 rushing yards on 32 attempts, averaging 5.1 yards per carry.
This breakdown examines the passing, rushing, receiving, defensive, kicking, and return statistics from the game. It also explains what the numbers reveal about how Detroit turned a 24-9 score into a convincing statistical performance.
Game Overview
The Detroit Lions defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-9. Both teams entered the matchup with 5-2 records, making the result important within the context of the early season.
Detroit built its advantage quarter by quarter:
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 0 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 9 |
| Detroit Lions | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 24 |
Detroit scored in every quarter. Tampa Bay did not score in the first or fourth quarters.
The Lions created a 14-3 halftime advantage. They then added another touchdown in the third quarter before Tampa Bay managed two more field-goal points.
The final margin was 15 points, but the underlying yardage difference was also significant. Detroit gained 379 total yards compared with Tampa Bay’s 251.
That represented a 128-yard advantage for Detroit.
The Lions also held the edge in average gain per offensive play. Detroit averaged 5.8 yards per play, while Tampa Bay averaged 3.8.
Those numbers help explain why Detroit controlled the scoreboard despite both teams recording one interception and four sacks.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats
The central story in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions match player stats is the difference between Tampa Bay’s passing volume and Detroit’s offensive balance.
Tampa Bay ran 66 offensive plays. Detroit ran 65. The number of plays was almost identical, so the difference was not caused by Detroit simply having more opportunities.
Instead, Detroit gained considerably more from each opportunity.
The Lions produced:
- 379 total yards
- 164 rushing yards
- 215 net passing yards
- 5.8 yards per offensive play
- Three touchdowns
- 17 first downs
Tampa Bay produced:
- 251 total yards
- 41 rushing yards
- 210 net passing yards
- 3.8 yards per offensive play
- One touchdown
- 15 first downs
The most important statistical gap was rushing efficiency. Detroit averaged 5.1 yards per rushing attempt, while Tampa Bay averaged only 3.4.
That difference gave Detroit more offensive balance and allowed the Lions to avoid relying exclusively on the passing game.
Baker Mayfield Passing Performance
Baker Mayfield completed 28 of 50 passes for 228 yards. He threw one touchdown and one interception.
His official passing line was:
| Statistic | Baker Mayfield |
| Completions | 28 |
| Attempts | 50 |
| Completion Rate | 56.0% |
| Passing Yards | 228 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Sacks | 4 |
| Sack Yards Lost | 18 |
| Passer Rating | 66.1 |
The completion total looks substantial because Tampa Bay threw the ball frequently. However, the 50 attempts also show how often the Buccaneers had to depend on the passing game.
Mayfield averaged 4.56 passing yards per attempt based on his 228 passing yards over 50 attempts.
That is a relatively modest output for such a high-volume passing performance.
The four sacks also mattered. Tampa Bay lost 18 yards on those sacks, reducing the offense’s effective passing production.
The final passer rating of 66.1 reflected the combination of limited efficiency, one touchdown, and one interception.
Mayfield’s Passing Volume
One of the most useful ways to understand the game is to separate volume from efficiency.
Mayfield attempted 21 more passes than Goff.
Yet Goff finished with 241 passing yards, 13 more than Mayfield.
That means Detroit did not need to throw nearly as often to generate similar or greater passing production.
Mayfield’s 28 completions accounted for all 228 of Tampa Bay’s gross passing yards. The Buccaneers also lost 18 yards on four sacks, leaving 210 net passing yards.
The official NFL game statistics list Tampa Bay with 251 total net yards, including 41 rushing yards and 210 net passing yards.
Jared Goff Passing Performance
Jared Goff completed 20 of 29 attempts for 241 yards. He threw one touchdown and one interception and finished with a 91.3 passer rating.
His passing line was:
| Statistic | Jared Goff |
| Completions | 20 |
| Attempts | 29 |
| Completion Rate | 69.0% |
| Passing Yards | 241 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Sacks | 4 |
| Sack Yards Lost | 26 |
| Passer Rating | 91.3 |
Goff’s 69.0 percent completion rate was considerably higher than Mayfield’s 56.0 percent.
He also produced more passing yards while attempting far fewer passes.
Goff averaged 8.31 passing yards per attempt based on 241 yards across 29 attempts.
The difference between the quarterbacks therefore was not simply the number of completions. It was how efficiently those completions generated yardage.
Goff was also sacked four times, which cost Detroit 26 yards. Even with those negative plays, the Lions still finished with 215 net passing yards.
Comparing the Two Quarterbacks
A direct comparison shows why the quarterback statistics should be interpreted alongside the rest of the offense.
| Category | Baker Mayfield | Jared Goff |
| Completions | 28 | 20 |
| Attempts | 50 | 29 |
| Completion Rate | 56.0% | 69.0% |
| Passing Yards | 228 | 241 |
| Touchdowns | 1 | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 1 |
| Sacks | 4 | 4 |
| Sack Yards Lost | 18 | 26 |
| Passer Rating | 66.1 | 91.3 |
Both quarterbacks threw one interception and were sacked four times.
The major difference was efficiency.
Goff needed only 29 attempts to produce 241 passing yards. Mayfield needed 50 attempts to produce 228.
This is also why looking only at completion totals can be misleading. Mayfield completed eight more passes, but Goff produced 13 more passing yards.
Jahmyr Gibbs Dominates the Ground Game
Jahmyr Gibbs was the most productive individual offensive player in the game.
He carried the ball 17 times for 136 yards and two touchdowns.
His average was exactly 8.0 yards per carry.
He also recorded a 78-yard long run.
| Jahmyr Gibbs Stat | Value |
| Carries | 17 |
| Rushing Yards | 136 |
| Average | 8.0 |
| Rushing TDs | 2 |
| Long Run | 78 yards |
| Receptions | 3 |
| Receiving Yards | 82 |
Gibbs’ performance was important because his rushing production provided Detroit with explosive plays that Tampa Bay struggled to contain.
His 78-yard touchdown run alone represented a major portion of his total rushing yardage.
He also contributed as a receiver, catching three passes for 82 yards.
That gave him 218 combined rushing and receiving yards.
His 218 total yards accounted for more than half of Detroit’s 379 total offensive yards.
That is one of the clearest indicators of his overall influence on the game.
Detroit’s Rushing Attack
Detroit finished with 164 rushing yards on 32 attempts.
The Lions averaged 5.1 yards per carry and scored two rushing touchdowns.
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | 17 | 136 | 8.0 | 2 | 78 |
| David Montgomery | 13 | 21 | 1.6 | 0 | Not listed |
| Jared Goff | 2 | 7 | 3.5 | 0 | Not listed |
| Team Total | 32 | 164 | 5.1 | 2 | 78 |
The distribution is revealing.
Gibbs produced the majority of Detroit’s rushing yardage. Montgomery handled 13 carries but gained only 21 yards.
That means the overall rushing success was heavily influenced by Gibbs’ explosive runs.
Still, Detroit’s 32 rushing attempts were important from a team perspective. The Lions did not abandon the ground game, and that helped create a balanced offensive structure.
Tampa Bay’s Rushing Production
The Buccaneers had a much quieter rushing performance.
Tampa Bay recorded 41 rushing yards on 12 attempts.
The team averaged 3.4 yards per carry and scored no rushing touchdowns.
| Player | Carries | Yards |
| Rachaad White | 10 | 38 |
| Sean Tucker | 1 | 4 |
| Teddy Bridgewater | 1 | -1 |
| Team Total | 12 | 41 |
Rachaad White led Tampa Bay with 38 rushing yards on 10 attempts.
That meant White accounted for almost all of Tampa Bay’s rushing yardage.
The contrast with Detroit was substantial.
The Lions gained 164 rushing yards. Tampa Bay gained 41.
That created a 123-yard advantage for Detroit on the ground.
This difference is particularly important because both teams ran a similar number of total offensive plays.
Tampa Bay Receiving Statistics
Cade Otton led Tampa Bay in receptions and receiving yards.
He caught seven passes for 65 yards.
His average was 9.3 yards per reception, with a long reception of 20 yards.
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
| Cade Otton | 7 | 65 | 9.3 | 0 | 20 |
| Tez Johnson | 4 | 58 | 14.5 | 1 | 30 |
| Emeka Egbuka | 4 | 58 | 14.5 | 0 | Not listed |
| Sterling Shepard | 7 | 25 | 3.6 | 0 | Not listed |
| Team Total | 28 | 228 | 8.1 | 1 | 30 |
Tez Johnson was particularly efficient, recording four receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown.
His 14.5 yards per reception was among the strongest marks on the Tampa Bay side.
Egbuka also recorded four catches for 58 yards.
Cade Otton’s seven receptions tied Shepard for the team lead in catches, but Otton produced 40 more receiving yards.
Sterling Shepard caught seven passes but totaled only 25 yards, showing how reception volume does not necessarily translate into significant yardage.
Detroit Receiving Statistics
Amon-Ra St. Brown led Detroit’s receiving group.
He caught six passes for 86 yards and one touchdown.
His longest reception covered 27 yards.
| Player | Receptions | Yards | TD | Long |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | 6 | 86 | 1 | 27 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | 3 | 82 | 0 | Not listed |
| Brock Wright | 3 | 23 | 0 | Not listed |
| David Montgomery | 2 | 18 | 0 | Not listed |
| Kalif Raymond | 3 | 17 | 0 | Not listed |
| Sam LaPorta | 3 | 15 | 0 | Not listed |
| Team Total | 20 | 241 | 1 | 30 |
St. Brown was Detroit’s leading traditional receiver, while Gibbs added an unusually large amount of receiving production for a running back.
Gibbs’ 82 receiving yards were almost identical to St. Brown’s 86.
Together, the two players accounted for 168 of Detroit’s 241 passing yards.
That represents roughly 70 percent of the Lions’ passing yardage.
Detroit’s Offensive Balance
One of the most important lessons from the game is that Detroit did not need one statistical category to carry the entire offense.
The Lions gained 164 rushing yards and 215 net passing yards.
That gave them 379 total net yards.
Their offensive distribution was therefore much more balanced than Tampa Bay’s.
Detroit’s rushing attack created explosive gains, while the passing game supplied consistent yardage through players such as St. Brown and Gibbs.
The result was an offense that averaged 5.8 yards per offensive play.
Tampa Bay averaged only 3.8.
That 2.0-yard difference per play became meaningful across 131 combined offensive plays.
Defensive Statistics
The defensive statistics provide another important part of the story.
Tampa Bay recorded:
- 77 total tackles
- 38 solo tackles
- 4 sacks
- 7 tackles for loss
- 2 passes defensed
- 9 quarterback hits
- 1 interception
Detroit recorded:
- 63 total tackles
- 37 solo tackles
- 4 sacks
- 4 tackles for loss
- 12 passes defensed
- 8 quarterback hits
- 1 interception
Both defenses recorded four sacks.
Tampa Bay actually registered more total tackles and tackles for loss.
However, Detroit recorded significantly more passes defensed.
The Lions had 12 passes defensed compared with only two for Tampa Bay.
That statistic fits the larger picture of Tampa Bay attempting 50 passes.
More defensive pass breakups created additional difficulty for Mayfield as the Buccaneers tried to move the ball through the air.
Interceptions and Turnovers
Each team intercepted one pass.
Jamel Dean recorded Tampa Bay’s interception and returned it 13 yards.
Arthur Maulet recorded Detroit’s interception with no return yardage.
The teams also differed slightly in fumble results.
Tampa Bay recorded two fumbles and lost one.
Detroit recorded one fumble and lost one.
That gave both teams one lost fumble.
Combining interceptions and lost fumbles, each team committed two turnovers.
This is important because Detroit’s victory was not simply caused by winning the turnover battle.
Both teams finished with two turnovers.
Instead, the larger statistical separation came from offensive efficiency, rushing production, and defensive pass disruption.
Sacks and Quarterback Pressure
Both teams recorded four sacks.
Tampa Bay’s defense generated nine quarterback hits, while Detroit recorded eight.
Tampa Bay also produced seven tackles for loss.
Detroit recorded four.
On the surface, those numbers suggest that Tampa Bay’s defense was active.
However, Detroit’s ability to generate points despite similar pressure statistics shows that defensive disruption cannot be evaluated using sacks alone.
The Lions also defended 12 passes.
That was six times the number recorded by Tampa Bay.
The combination of four sacks and 12 passes defensed helped limit Tampa Bay’s passing efficiency.
Third Down and Fourth Down Efficiency
The official team statistics show another important difference.
Tampa Bay converted 4 of 16 third-down opportunities.
That was a 25.0 percent conversion rate.
Detroit converted 3 of 13 third downs.
That was 23.1 percent.
Neither team was highly efficient on third down.
Tampa Bay actually had the slightly better third-down conversion percentage.
Fourth down was different.
Tampa Bay converted 2 of 5 fourth-down attempts.
Detroit converted 1 of 2.
Again, the numbers show that Detroit’s victory was not built around dominating every efficiency category.
Instead, the Lions made their opportunities count through stronger overall yardage production and scoring efficiency.
First Downs and Total Yardage
Detroit recorded 17 first downs.
Tampa Bay recorded 15.
The Lions also had the clear edge in total yards.
| Team Statistic | Tampa Bay | Detroit |
| First Downs | 15 | 17 |
| Total Net Yards | 251 | 379 |
| Rushing Yards | 41 | 164 |
| Net Passing Yards | 210 | 215 |
| Offensive Plays | 66 | 65 |
| Yards Per Play | 3.8 | 5.8 |
| Third Down | 4/16 | 3/13 |
| Fourth Down | 2/5 | 1/2 |
| Sacks | 4 | 4 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 1 |
The most striking statistic is the 128-yard difference in total offense.
The Lions generated almost 51 percent more total yardage than Tampa Bay.
Yet the number of offensive plays was nearly identical.
This is a strong indication that efficiency, rather than volume, separated the teams.
Special Teams Statistics
Special teams also played a role in field position.
Tampa Bay’s Kameron Johnson returned four kickoffs for 95 yards.
He averaged 23.8 yards per kickoff return, with a long of 28 yards.
Johnson also recorded three punt returns for 34 yards, averaging 11.3 yards per return.
Detroit’s Jacob Saylors returned two kickoffs for 54 yards.
His average was 27.0 yards per return, with a long of 28.
Detroit did not record a punt return.
Field Goal Kicking
Chase McLaughlin converted Tampa Bay’s only field-goal attempt.
He made a 53-yard field goal for three points.
Jake Bates attempted two field goals for Detroit, making one.
His successful kick was a 58-yarder.
Bates also converted all three extra-point attempts.
His six total points came from the field goal and three extra points.
Punting Comparison
Tampa Bay punted six times for 263 yards.
Riley Dixon averaged 43.8 yards per punt and placed four inside the 20-yard line. His longest punt covered 52 yards.
Detroit punted five times for 256 yards.
Jack Fox averaged 51.2 yards per punt, with a long of 66 yards and one punt inside the 20.
| Punting Statistic | Riley Dixon | Jack Fox |
| Punts | 6 | 5 |
| Total Yards | 263 | 256 |
| Average | 43.8 | 51.2 |
| Inside 20 | 4 | 1 |
| Long | 52 | 66 |
Fox produced the higher average and longer punt.
Dixon, however, recorded more punts inside the 20.
This shows how punting statistics can have different meanings depending on whether the focus is distance or field-position placement.
Time of Possession
Detroit controlled the ball for 31:39.
Tampa Bay had possession for 28:21.
The difference was only 3:18.
That is another reason not to reduce the result to possession time.
Detroit’s advantage came primarily from what it did with its possessions.
The Lions generated 379 total yards on 65 offensive plays.
Tampa Bay generated 251 yards on 66 plays.
Detroit had fewer plays but gained considerably more yardage.
Why Jahmyr Gibbs Was So Important
Gibbs’ performance changed the structure of the game.
- His 136 rushing yards gave Detroit a reliable source of explosive production.
- His two rushing touchdowns directly contributed to half of Detroit’s four offensive touchdowns.
- His 78-yard touchdown run was particularly important because it was an explosive play that dramatically increased Detroit’s scoring position.
- His receiving contribution made the performance even more complete.
Gibbs added 82 receiving yards on three catches.
That means Tampa Bay had to account for him in both the running and passing phases.
A player producing 136 rushing yards and 82 receiving yards creates a difficult defensive assignment because the offense can move him around the formation and use him in different ways.
Why Tampa Bay Struggled to Score
Tampa Bay’s 251 total yards were not enough to sustain consistent scoring drives.
The Buccaneers averaged only 3.8 yards per offensive play.
Their 12 rushing attempts produced 41 yards.
That meant the offense became heavily dependent on Mayfield and the passing game.
Mayfield attempted 50 passes.
Although he completed 28, Tampa Bay scored only one touchdown.
The Buccaneers also finished 0-for-1 in the red zone according to the official team statistics, while Detroit went 1-for-2.
That statistic helps explain the final score.
Tampa Bay moved the ball enough to create some opportunities, but those opportunities did not consistently turn into touchdowns.
What the Score Does Not Tell You
A 24-9 score can make a game look one-sided in every category.
The underlying numbers are more nuanced.
Tampa Bay actually had:
- More offensive plays
- More total tackles
- More tackles for loss
- More quarterback hits
- A slightly better third-down conversion rate
- The same number of sacks
- The same number of interceptions
Detroit still won because several major offensive categories were clearly in its favor.
The Lions had:
- 128 more total yards
- 123 more rushing yards
- 2.0 more yards per offensive play
- Three touchdowns compared with one
- More first downs
- Better passing efficiency
This is why complete game analysis requires more than looking at the final score.
Key Player Takeaways
Jahmyr Gibbs
Gibbs was the standout statistical performer.
He rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns while adding 82 receiving yards.
His 218 combined yards were the highest individual total in the game.
Jared Goff
Goff completed 69 percent of his passes and produced 241 yards.
His 91.3 passer rating was substantially higher than Mayfield’s 66.1.
Amon-Ra St. Brown
St. Brown caught six passes for 86 yards and one touchdown.
He was Detroit’s leading receiver and played an important role in the passing attack.
Baker Mayfield
Mayfield completed 28 passes for 228 yards and one touchdown.
His 50 attempts showed Tampa Bay’s reliance on the passing game, but the offense struggled to convert that volume into points.
Cade Otton
Otton led Tampa Bay with seven receptions and 65 receiving yards.
He was one of the Buccaneers’ most consistent receiving options.
Tez Johnson
Johnson caught four passes for 58 yards and scored Tampa Bay’s only touchdown.
His 30-yard reception was the longest recorded reception for the Buccaneers in the provided statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Buccaneers vs Lions game?
The Detroit Lions defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-9.
How many rushing yards did Jahmyr Gibbs have?
Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 136 yards on 17 carries. He averaged 8.0 yards per carry and scored two touchdowns.
How did Baker Mayfield perform against the Lions?
Baker Mayfield completed 28 of 50 passes for 228 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He was sacked four times and finished with a 66.1 passer rating.
How did Jared Goff perform against Tampa Bay?
Jared Goff completed 20 of 29 passes for 241 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He was sacked four times and finished with a 91.3 passer rating.
Who led the Lions in receiving?
Amon-Ra St. Brown led Detroit with six receptions for 86 yards and one touchdown.
Which team had more total yards?
Detroit had more total yards. The Lions recorded 379 total yards, while Tampa Bay finished with 251.
Conclusion
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions match player stats show that Detroit’s 24-9 victory was built on efficiency, rushing production, and stronger overall offensive output.
The Lions gained 379 total yards compared with Tampa Bay’s 251. Their 164 rushing yards were particularly important because Tampa Bay managed only 41.
Jahmyr Gibbs was the central offensive figure. He rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns while adding 82 receiving yards. His 218 combined yards represented a major portion of Detroit’s total production.
Jared Goff also produced an efficient passing performance. He completed 20 of 29 attempts for 241 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His 91.3 passer rating compared with Baker Mayfield’s 66.1.
Mayfield threw for 228 yards and a touchdown, but Tampa Bay needed 50 attempts to reach that total. The Buccaneers also struggled to establish the running game, which placed greater pressure on the passing attack.
Defensively, both teams recorded four sacks and one interception. Tampa Bay generated more tackles and tackles for loss, but Detroit recorded 12 passes defensed and limited the Buccaneers to only nine points.
The statistics therefore present a detailed explanation of the result. Detroit did not dominate every individual category. Instead, the Lions created a major advantage in total yardage, rushing production, yards per play, and scoring efficiency.
