Takeaways from Lions' 20-6 Win against Buccaneers
The Detroit Lions renewed their old NFC Central rivalry with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon.
For the first time in 11 years, the Buccaneers donned their classic "creamsicle" jerseys, giving the home fans a significant amount to be happy about before the teams played their Week 6 contest.
But it was also a sea of blue at Raymond James Stadium. Lions supporters traveled to Tampa to show their support for a team that started the 2023 season winning four of its first five games.
Despite facing obstacles and a Buccaneers defense that was quite aggressive, Detroit won a gritty NFC contest, 20-6.
Here are six takeaways from the Lions' fifth victory of the season.
Defense steps up early, forces turnover
After forcing the Buccaneers into punting on their first offensive possession, Detroit was unable to capitalize on its first offensive possession.
Defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs, whom the coaching staff has praised for his leadership and efforts to get back in the lineup, tipped a Mayfield pass on the Buccaneers' second offensive possession. The pass was eventually intercepted by Lions defensive back Will Harris.
Detroit was able to capitalize with kicker Riley Patterson successfully connecting on a 30-yard field goal, giving the Lions an early 3-0 lead.
All afternoon, Detroit's defense stifled the Buccaneers' offense, hitting Baker Mayfield regularly.
Buccaneers target Will Harris on first scoring drive of game
With Brian Branch out for a second straight game, the Lions' defense turned to veteran Will Harris in the slot.
Baker Mayfield was able to take advantage of a clear mismatch on the Buccaneers' first scoring drive, as Harris found himself matched up against Mike Evans on a couple of routes.
Harris was flagged for a defensive holding penalty, but the defense was able to keep Mayfield and the offense out of the end zone. The Buccaneers instead settled for a Chase McLaughlin 33-yard field goal.
Craig Reynolds' tough block springs Amon-Ra St. Brown
The Buccaneers' linebackers were able to pressure Jared Goff early in the game, forcing the veteran to get rid of the football much sooner than he would have liked.
After David Montgomery left the game in the second quarter due to a rib injury, the offense turned to Craig Reynolds, who recorded his first career touchdown against the Panthers last week.
Detroit finally broke through late in the second quarter. Amon-Ra St. Brown took a short pass, and scampered 27 yards to give Detroit its first touchdown and a 10-3 lead.
St. Brown celebrated excitedly with Reynolds, who levied a massive block against cornerback Carlton Davis. The block excited the entire Lions sideline.
To start the second half, the young running back took a short pass, and scampered for 28 yards to extend a drive. Unfortunately, Detroit could not take advantage, as its woes coming out of halftime continued.
Patterson missed a 52-yard attempt on Detroit's first drive of the second half.
Challenging Buccaneers defense pressures Goff, stifles offense
The Buccaneers' stifling, pressure-filled defense was on full display.
Detroit's offensive line, which had a solid start to the season, did not have its best first half executing, and the Buccaneers' linebackers regularly found themselves in the backfield.
Goff was forced to make several throws under duress in the first half. He finished the opening half 12-of-19 for 150 yards. He was consistently under pressure from the Buccaneers, and was sacked twice in that span.
St. Brown was unstoppable on third-down
Detroit's talented wideout was the go-to target for Goff on third down, especially in the second half.
The ability to still get open, when the entire stadium is aware of who the Lions rely on, is remarkable. St. Brown recorded over 100 yards receiving, on 12 catches.
In the fourth quarter, with the Lions nursing a two-touchdown lead, Goff regularly targeted the third-year wideout, aiding Detroit in extending drives and eating up time.
Jameson Williams makes game-changing touchdown reception
The talented second-year wideout has the ability on any given snap to get behind an opponent's secondary.
After his debut, the coaching staff indicated he would have more opportunities, as he has been stacking days at practice since returning from his suspension.
With the offense needing a spark in the third quarter -- after the Buccaneers had cut the lead down to four -- the speedy wideout blew past the secondary.
The 22-year-old was so wide open, he had to wait and adjust to the pass tossed by Goff.
A thrilling 45-yard touchdown extended Detroit's lead to 17-6, and capped off a nine-play, 73-yard drive that took nearly 5:00 off the clock and gave Detroit momentum.
