After a thrilling Week 1 win over the Los Angeles Rams, the Detroit Lions aimed to carry their momentum into Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers, dealing with multiple defensive injuries, including key players like Antoine Winfield Jr., presented an opportunity for the Lions to capitalize, especially through the air. However, despite strong performances on both sides of the ball, the Lions fell short, losing 20-16. Here’s a look at the studs and duds from the tough Week 2 loss.
Detroit Lions Studs
Aidan Hutchinson
Aidan Hutchinson put together one of the best games of his career, dominating the Buccaneers’ offensive line. Hutchinson finished with 4.5 sacks, five tackles, and four tackles for loss. He constantly disrupted Baker Mayfield, who held onto the ball too long, allowing Hutchinson to take full advantage. His effort was a big reason the Lions held the Bucs to just two field goals, keeping the game within reach. Hutchinson’s stellar start to the season has put him in early Defensive Player of the Year conversations.
Run Defense
The Detroit Lions’ run defense was a brick wall once again. After shutting down the Rams in Week 1, they held the Buccaneers to just 71 rushing yards on 22 carries. Baker Mayfield led the team with 35 rushing yards, further underscoring the Lions’ ability to contain opposing running backs. Their ability to shut down the run forced Tampa Bay to lean on their passing game, which allowed Hutchinson and the rest of the defense to thrive in pass-rushing situations.
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Amon-Ra St. Brown bounced back after a quiet Week 1 performance, leading the Lions’ receiving corps with 11 catches for 119 yards. Despite playing through injuries and frequently visiting the sidelines for treatment, St. Brown made clutch plays, including key third-down conversions. His toughness and effort stood out, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to lead the Lions to victory.
Brian Branch
Rookie safety Brian Branch shined in the secondary, bouncing back from some Week 1 struggles. He notched six tackles and a key pass deflection that helped limit Tampa Bay’s scoring. Branch also secured the Lions’ first takeaway of the season with an interception in the second quarter, offering Detroit’s offense an opportunity to score before halftime.
Jahmyr Gibbs
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs showcased his speed and versatility in the second half, helping to spark the Detroit Lions’ offense with some crucial runs and receptions. His 23-yard run on fourth-and-1 in the fourth quarter was a game-changer, setting the Lions up inside the red zone. Gibbs finished the game with 106 total yards on 20 touches, adding another dimension to Detroit’s offensive attack.
Detroit Lions Duds
Jared Goff
Jared Goff had a rough outing in Week 2, completing 34 of 55 passes for 307 yards with two interceptions and no touchdowns. His first interception came on the very first play of the game, and while the Lions believed it was a missed pass interference call, it set a negative tone. His second pick was inexcusable, as he threw a ball directly into the hands of a Bucs defender. Goff’s decision-making was shaky, and despite not being sacked, he seemed rattled by Tampa Bay’s pressure.
Coaching
For the first time in a while, coaching appeared to be a significant factor in the Detroit Lions’ loss. Offensive play calling was questionable, particularly in the red zone where the team struggled to capitalize, scoring just one touchdown in seven trips. Head coach Dan Campbell also admitted fault for a costly field goal error before halftime that eliminated a potential scoring opportunity. The coaching staff will need to clean up these mistakes moving forward.
Red Zone Offense
The Lions’ inability to convert red zone trips into touchdowns was a major reason for their loss. Despite moving the ball well between the 20s, they could only score one touchdown in seven red zone visits. This continued an issue from Week 1 and must be addressed if the Lions want to finish drives and win close games.
CB Terrion Arnold
Cornerback Terrion Arnold had a difficult day, accumulating several costly penalties, including a pass interference call near the goal line and a facemask penalty. His miscommunication on Tampa Bay’s first touchdown left Chris Godwin wide open, and his overall performance left room for improvement. Arnold’s struggles in his second start highlighted the growing pains of adapting to NFL play.
TE Sam LaPorta
Tight end Sam LaPorta was quiet in Week 2, managing just two catches for 13 yards, both of which came in the second half. The Buccaneers’ coverage limited his impact, and he struggled to create separation. The Lions will need more from their talented tight end as the season progresses.
Bottom Line
The Detroit Lions showed flashes of brilliance in their Week 2 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with players like Hutchinson, St. Brown, and Gibbs stepping up. However, mistakes in the red zone and struggles from key contributors like Jared Goff and the coaching staff ultimately doomed them. Moving forward, the Lions will need to address these issues to build on the strong performances of their stars and bounce back in Week 3.
