Takeaways from Lions' 31-23 Victory against Buccaneers
The Detroit Lions took the field Sunday afternoon seeking to secure their first NFC Championship Game appearance since the 1991 season.
After advancing past the Rams, Detroit set its sights on a team that overcame struggles at the start of the season to earn a spot in the second weekend of the postseason.
Supporters entered Ford Field three hours before kickoff, eagerly anticipating a rowdy, festive environment throughout the divisional round matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Todd Bowles' squad, NFC South division winners for a third straight season, was seeking to avenge an earlier season double-digit loss to the Lions, by spoiling Dan Campbell's attempt to take his team to San Francisco next weekend.
Tampa Bay proved to be a worthy opponent, as it battled and kept the game close for 45 minutes, before Detroit pulled away and won its second consecutive playoff game.
After 60 minutes of action, Detroit was able to defeat the Buccaneers, 31-23.
The Lions will now face the 49ers at Levi's Stadium next Sunday for the right to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
Here are several takeaways from the Lions' divisional round playoff victory.
Defense forces early turnover after pressuring quarterback
The Lions went three-and-out on their first offensive possession.
With a loud, towel-waving crowd excitedly showing their support, Detroit's defense took the field, and made things challenging for Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu was able to bring the pressure and sack Mayfield for a significant loss, forcing a third-and-long situation.
A pass intended for Mike Evans was tipped and eventually intercepted by Ceedy Duce, who donned a ski mask during player introductions.
Duce avenges comments made by Mayfield
In the week leading up to the playoff contest, Mayfield expressed the veteran safety should watch more film, based on comments made regarding the Buccaneers needing a quarterback to enhance the receiving corps.
After securing the tipped interception, the 26-year-old flipped the football back to the Buccaneers starting signal-caller.
Detroit's offense took advantage, marching down the field and eventually kicking a 23-yard field goal to take an early 3-0 lead.
Jared Goff had early timing, rhythm but offense struggled in first half
After the Buccaneers tied the game at three, Detroit's veteran signal-caller led the offense on a methodical 14-play, 75-yard drive that spanned nearly 7:00.
Goff was able to target Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta and eventually found veteran wideout Josh Reynolds on a 9-yard reception to give Detroit its first touchdown of the afternoon. It gave the Lions a 10-3 lead early in the second quarter.
Detroit's offensive line blocked well, and gave the 29-year-old ample opportunities to scan the field and locate the open target.
After scoring its first touchdown, Detroit's offense was stymied by the Bucs' swarming defense.
With its first six full offensive possessions, not including the kneel-down at the end of the half, Detroit had three 3-and-outs, and only crossed midfield twice.
Offensive line banged up in first half
The Lions' offensive line was fully healthy heading into Sunday's game, after dealing with a myriad of injuries throughout the regular season. However, the unit was beaten up in the first half, while battling a physical Tampa Bay defensive line.
Left guard Jonah Jackson left the game in the second quarter with a knee injury, and was initially ruled questionable to return. Meanwhile, center Frank Ragnow was rolled up on, after quarterback Jared Goff was sacked late in the first half.
Jackson was ruled out, while Ragnow returned in the third quarter. Kayode Awosika replaced Jackson at left guard.
After that sack forced the Lions to punt, the Buccaneers heated up quickly. Mayfield connected with Evans, beating Lions cornerback Cam Sutton, for gains of 29 and 27 yards, before hitting Cade Otton for a 2-yard score to tie the game heading into halftime.
Detroit Lions fans support Jared Goff
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Brock Wright sparks Lions' third-quarter scoring drive
After playing stout defense early in the third quarter, the Lions found themselves with the football midway through the third quarter.
Tight end Brock Wright, who has battled injury the last month of the season, sparked Detroit's scoring drive. He was on the receiving end of a 29-yard reception from Goff that put the offense near the red zone.
Running back Craig Reynolds was able to cap off a stellar, tone-setting 10-play, 64-yard drive, with a 1-yard scamper on fourth down. It gave Detroit a 17-10 lead.
Mayfield finds security with Cade Otton
The Buccaneers answered Detroit's touchdown drive promptly with one of their own. Tampa Bay marched 75 yards in seven plays, spanning 3:38 and culminating with a 12-yard pass from Mayfield to Rachaad White.
On the drive, Mayfield connected on three straight passes with tight end Cade Otton. Among those was a 27-yard pass that got Tampa Bay inside Detroit's 20-yard line.
The Buccaneers also got a fortunate break on the drive, as Mayfield appeared to have been sacked prior to throwing the ball away on a second-down incompletion. A replay showed that the passer's calf was down, which should've resulted in a sack.
However, it was ruled an incompletion, and he hit White for the touchdown on the very next play.
Jahmyr Gibbs rocks Ford Field
With the Buccaneers tying the game, Detroit answered on its next offensive possession, moving the football effectively.
Detroit's rookie running back had his number called on four of the five offensive plays called on the series that gave Campbell's squad a 24-17 lead.
Josh Reynolds was in the mix for a reception of 18 yards before Gibbs took over the drive.
Detroit's first-round draft pick capped off the drive with an electrifying 31-yard run, leaving safety Antoine Winfield in the dust. He quickly blew past the All-Pro defender on his way to the end zone.
