Detroit Lions (3) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4) : 31-23
They did it ! The Lions will return to the conference finals for the first time since 1991! Without being brilliant throughout the match, Dan Campbell’s men were able to rely on a very good second half in attack to make the difference. With 3 touchdowns in a row, Jared Goff (30/43, 287 yards, 2TD) and his teammates found the elements that made them one of the best attacks of the season.
And it was necessary at least that to beat the valiant Buccaneers. Tampa and Baker Mayfield (26/41, 349 yards, 3TD, 2INT) were eye-catching until the end, responding almost blow for blow to the Lions. Unfortunately for them, some defensive generosity and a struggling offensive line limited the Buccaneers’ chances.
The key moment: Amon-Ra St-Brown’s touchdown
Rather discreet in the first half, the excellent Lions receiver stood out in the second half. Like his attack, number 14 was the author of the key moment of the meeting. On a nice route, St-Brown (8 rec, 77 yards, 1TD) sinks into the end zone to score the touchdown to make it 31 to 17 for the Lions.
There is then a little more than 6 minutes left in the match and the locals take a 14-point lead. If Detroit leaves a few opportunities for the Buccaneers to come back to score, this advantage on the scoreboard for the Lions ultimately proves sufficient and decisive to win this match.
Film you match
It was the Lions defense that stood out first by intercepting Baker Myafield on the Buccaneers’ first offensive series. A poorly managed ball by Mike Evans therefore allows CJ Gardner-Johnson to go up to Tampa’s 41 yards.
This advantageous position is not enough for the Lions to score a touchdown but allows the less to score the first points of the match with a field goal (3-0). A kick to which the visitors responded in the following series with also three points scored (3-3).
We had to wait until the start of the 2nd quarter to see the locals’ attack finally regain its usual rhythm. Detroit scores a touchdown (10-3) through Josh Reynolds at the back of the endzone, completely forgotten by the opposing defense. A series of 14 actions and almost 7 minutes which reassures fans.
But the match then enters a false rhythm. The teams multiply punts and Tampa even misses a field goal. You finally have to wait until the very last seconds to finally vibrate again.
15 seconds before halftime, the Buccaneers come back from nowhere and see Cade Otton (5 rec, 65 yards, 1TD) receive a pass for the touchdown (10-10). An equalizer which owes a lot to Mike Evans (8 rec, 147 yards, 1 TD), author in quick succession of two receptions of 27 and 29 yards which put the visitors on goal.
After three punts, the locals regained the advantage by finding a little “magic”. A nice game designed for Brock Wright (29 yards gained) and the audacity of Dan Campbell who decides to play a 4th goalie attempt projects the Lions forward. In the end it was Craig Reynolds for the touchdown (17-10).
However, once again, the Buccs show that they are not giving up. Mayfield’s combativeness allows him to avoid several sacks and connect a few “laser” passes. The quarterback finds Rachad White on a 3rd attempt which ends in a touchdown to tie the game (17-17).
The match gets completely carried away in this second act. This time, Detroit finds its ground game. It’s rookie Jahmyr Gibbs who flies into the goal after a 31-yard run for the 24 to 17.
Who can catch lightin’ in a bottle@jahmyr_gibbs1 | #AllGrit | ???? NBC pic.twitter.com/OCVfV8nKvS
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 21, 2024
The Michigan men confirmed their form in the following offensive series. The sharp races accumulate, the open receptions too. Jared Goff sends a laser pass for St-Brown in the endzone. Detroit then leads 31 to 17 with 6 minutes remaining. A touchdown that sounds like victory.
Except that this Tampa team has heart. Mayfield converted an improbable 4th and a few actions later, he found Mike Evans for the touchdown from 31 to 23, because Todd Bowles decided to play the 2-point conversion but it failed. Tampa will even have the ball one last time to try to come back. Unfortunately for him, the Buccaneers quarterback saw one of his passes intercepted. Detroit then just has to put its knee on the ground to continue its fantastic season.
Le MVP : Jahmyr Gibbs
In a match where no Lions player took all the spotlight, Jahmyr Gibbs (74 yards rushing, 40 yards receiving) still best symbolizes these 2024 Lions. The young runner was one of the dynamiters in the second half-time and brought the energy needed to wake up the Lions.
His 31-yard run is a vista model and his stiff arm on Antoine Winfield as he enters the endzone is proof of the new state of mind in Detroit: nothing scares these Lions anymore.
The flop: Tampa Bay’s offensive line
By allowing 4 tackles for loss and 4 sacks, the Buccaneers offensive line was in great difficulty this evening against the Lions. A stat line that could have been worse if Baker Mayfield had not avoided a few sacks spectacularly. The squad’s men were also unable to open up gaps for the running game.
This “inability” to offer more time to the aerial game was one of the biggest concerns this evening for Tampa.
At state: 0
0 as the number of balls lost by the Lions. Long “slowed down” in attack, the Lions had the merit of not giving the Buccaneers any opportunities to take off. A solidity which allowed them to progress in the second half, once the offensive rhythm had been regained.
And now ?
For the Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield’s season suggests that the player can continue to be number 1. Todd Bowles and his staff can be happy with this season and must start from this to improve the team. However, the Mike Evans case will have to be managed carefully in the offseason!
On the Lions side, the incredible season continues. Expected to be an improving team, the Lions have already exceeded all expectations by reaching the conference finals. Facing them next Sunday, the “ogre” 49ers who were hot this weekend. Less experienced but full of quality, the Lions could well surprise once again. A match that will be followed on the W9 channels!
2024-01-21 23:12:54
#Lions #Buccaneers #Detroits #dream #continues
