Detroit took the field without starting cornerbacks D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold, along with safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. Despite the absences, the reserve defensive backs rose to the occasion.

Amik Robertson forced a fumble that Aidan Hutchinson recovered. Arthur Maulet snagged an interception. Nick Whiteside broke up a two-point attempt and defended three total passes. Erick Hallett tallied eight tackles, while the secondary collectively recorded eight pass breakups during the game.

The Lions’ defensive front registered four sacks on Baker Mayfield. Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Tyrus Wheat, and Al-Quadin Muhammad each took down the Buccaneers quarterback once in the matchup.

Offensively, running back Jahmyr Gibbs delivered a dominant performance. He racked up 218 total yards—136 rushing and 82 receiving—along with two touchdowns, highlighted by a 78-yard scoring burst. He became the first Lion since Kevin Smith in 2011 to post 200-plus scrimmage yards and two rushing scores in a single game.

Detroit’s defense held Tampa Bay to just 4-of-16 on third downs. The Buccaneers entered the contest 5-1 with the NFC’s top record, while the Lions improved to 5-2 as they head into their bye week.