Baker Mayfield and head coach Todd Bowles didn’t hold back their criticism of the officiating after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ disappointing loss to the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football.

The Buccaneers entered the matchup hoping to cement their place among the league’s elite, but those ambitions were derailed in a 24-9 defeat that dropped their record to 5-2. Despite the setback, Tampa Bay still sits atop the NFC South standings, though the showing against Detroit exposed several issues and raised legitimate concerns.

Lions Dictate the Game from the Start

Right from kickoff, the Lions seized momentum, jumping out to a commanding 14-3 advantage. The Buccaneers struggled to gain traction, unable to sustain drives or shift control as Detroit dictated play throughout. As the contest progressed, it became clear that the officiating would be a major talking point among both fans and players.

The frustrations were not only about the sheer volume of penalties, but about the inconsistency and timing of several calls made by the officials. Supporters voiced their displeasure in the stands, while players echoed similar frustrations on the field after several controversial moments.

Mayfield’s Outburst on the Officiating

Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was especially outspoken about the officiating following the loss, lamenting the questionable calls that disrupted the team’s rhythm. He pointed out that some of the decisions felt random and seemed to hinder Tampa Bay’s ability to build momentum offensively.

Mayfield’s irritation was evident as he discussed how the officiating shaped the game’s outcome. Having played long enough to understand the challenges of officiating, he made it clear that certain calls had a major impact and contributed to the team’s struggles throughout the night.

Head coach Todd Bowles also shared Mayfield’s frustration, noting that the penalties during crucial junctures of the contest significantly affected the Buccaneers’ comeback chances. Bowles emphasized that those moments shifted the game’s balance, making it harder for his team to recover late.

As the Buccaneers move forward, both Bowles and Mayfield recognize that while officiating controversies are inevitable, the team must also take accountability for its execution. Tampa Bay will look to regroup ahead of its next matchup, determined to rebound and tighten its grip on the NFC South lead.

Though debates over the officiating are likely to continue, the Buccaneers’ priority now is to focus on improving their performance and correcting the flaws that led to the loss.