The Detroit Lions stunned fans with their dominant 24-9 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but one player didn’t quite fit the narrative – quarterback Jared Goff. Despite leading his team to victory, Goff posted a disappointing 36.0 passing grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), a stark contrast to the team’s overall performance.

Goff’s Underwhelming Performance

Goff’s struggles were evident throughout the game, particularly when facing pressure from the Buccaneers’ defense. According to PFF, Goff was 9-for-17 for 117 yards with two interceptions and a 35.3 passer rating when pressured. This vulnerability was largely due to the Lions’ offensive line, which allowed 17 pressures, including 11 from center Frank Ragnow and guard Graham Glasgow.

Key Players Step Up

Despite Goff’s struggles, several Lions players stood out. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs was electric, rushing for 218 total yards and two touchdowns, including a 78-yard house call. Gibbs’ performance earned him an 81.9 PFF grade, one of the highest on the team. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown also had a solid game, catching six passes for 86 yards and a touchdown, earning a 75.5 receiving grade.

Defensive Dominance

The Lions’ defense was the story of the game, holding the Buccaneers to just 9 points. Linebacker Jack Campbell led the team with an 83.4 overall grade, while defensive end Aidan Hutchinson posted an 83.3 grade despite not recording a sack. The Lions’ pass rush was relentless, forcing Baker Mayfield into several difficult throws and ultimately picking up two interceptions.

Takeaways

The Lions’ victory over the Buccaneers was a testament to their strength and depth. While Goff’s performance was underwhelming, the team’s running game and defense stepped up to carry the load. With a Week 9 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings looming, the Lions will look to build on their momentum and prove themselves as a legitimate contender in the NFC.

Lions’ PFF Grades:

– Top 5 Offensive Players:
– Penei Sewell – 89.6 (RT)
– Jahmyr Gibbs – 81.9 (HB)
– Amon-Ra St. Brown – 77.1 (WR)
– Taylor Decker – 71.7 (LT)
– Tate Ratledge – 69.6 (RG)
– Top 5 Defensive Players:
– Nick Whiteside – 83.9 (RCB)
– Jack Campbell – 83.4 (MLB)
– Aidan Hutchinson – 83.3 (DE)
– D.J. Reader – 81.1 (NT)
– Amik Robertson – 65.6 (RCB) ¹