The Detroit Lions dominated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-9 on Monday Night Football, delivering a historic defensive performance at Ford Field despite missing four starting defensive backs.
Head coach Dan Campbell heaped praise on defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard following the impressive victory. The Lions’ defense held Tampa Bay to just 58 yards in the first half and a total of 251 yards for the entire game.
“Defense played lights-out,” Campbell said, according to Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News. “Those DBs, man. I just thought those guys competed, they challenged, and then our front came alive.” The Lions coach expressed full confidence in his first-year defensive coordinator, adding, “This is what I expected out of Kelvin Sheppard.” Campbell concluded by calling it “just an outstanding defensive performance.”
### How Did the Lions’ Defense Dominate Without Their Starting Secondary?
Detroit played without starting cornerbacks D. J. Reed and Terrion Arnold, plus safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. Yet, the backup defensive backs stepped up brilliantly. Amik Robertson forced a fumble recovered by Aidan Hutchinson, while Arthur Maulet grabbed an interception.
Nick Whiteside knocked away a crucial two-point conversion attempt and defended three passes overall. Erick Hallett led the secondary with eight tackles, and collectively, the defensive backs combined for eight passes defended during the game.
Meanwhile, the Lions’ pass rush was relentless, recording four sacks against Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield. Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Tyrus Wheat, and Al-Quadin Muhammad each brought down Mayfield once during the contest.
### Offensive Spark: Jahmyr Gibbs Shines
On offense, running back Jahmyr Gibbs was unstoppable. He totaled 218 scrimmage yards, including 136 rushing and 82 receiving, while scoring two touchdowns—highlighted by a spectacular 78-yard touchdown run.
Gibbs became the first Lion since Kevin Smith in 2011 to record over 200 scrimmage yards and two rushing touchdowns in a single game.
### Controlling the Game
Detroit’s defense also limited Tampa Bay to just 4-of-16 on third-down conversions, stifling the Buccaneers’ ability to sustain drives. Coming into the game, Tampa Bay held a 5-1 record and the best record in the NFC.
With this win, the Lions improved to 5-2 heading into their bye week, signaling strong momentum for the team’s future.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-dan-campbell-shares-honest-assessment-defense-win-over-buccaneers
