Quick peek at game stats do not tell the real story. This was not not one of J. Goff’s better games. Not bad but ordinary. Receivers missed a few catches but not devastating to the final score. Credit due to Buc’s secondary. Lion’s offensive line held long enough and opened running lanes at opportune moments. Game’s entire tempo was generated by J. Gibbs breakout run for ‘big’ yardage.

Lion’s ‘banged-up’ defense did not get the ‘memo’ declaring them feeble and unable to stop B. Mayfield. As the game progressed, defensive pass coverage and defensive ‘rush’ limited Mayfield’s options until his time expired resulting in some reckless decisions. Somewhere in third quarter, Tampa’s offense became more undisciplined.

Lion’s rushing and pass receiving executed at most of the ‘right’ moments. J. Goff spread his targets effectively across six receivers. Available threat of an explosive ‘rush’ kept Tampa defensively ‘honest’.

Still disappointingly absent was the early ‘dagger move’ to ice the game beyond doubt.