Goff throws for 308 yards as Lions edge Buccaneers 21-18

Detroit, MI - Jared Goff threw for 308 yards, Sione Vaki scored twice on the ground and the Detroit Lions protected a narrow advantage in a 21-18 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11.

Detroit entered the game on a two-game losing streak but produced the more consistent offensive afternoon, finishing with 418 offensive yards and 20 first downs. Tampa Bay stayed within range and narrowed the margin as the game developed, but the Lions emerged with their first win in three games.

Goff completed 30 of 39 passes with one touchdown and a 107.6 passer rating. He distributed the ball across a deep group of targets, with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Isaac TeSlaa and Jameson Williams combining for 22 receptions and 269 yards.

St. Brown led all receivers with 102 yards on eight catches and scored Detroit's lone receiving touchdown. TeSlaa added seven receptions for 98 yards, including the game's longest catch at 29 yards, while Williams caught seven passes for 69 yards.

"There were a lot of different places to go with the football, and that lets you stay patient," Goff said. "We completed a high percentage, kept getting first downs and gave ourselves opportunities throughout the game. After the last couple of weeks, finishing this one feels good."

The Lions complemented that production with 110 rushing yards despite using their backs selectively. Jahmyr Gibbs gained a team-high 66 yards on only five carries and broke the game's longest run, a 33-yard gain. Vaki carried five times for 33 yards and accounted for two rushing touchdowns, giving Detroit three touchdowns between him and St. Brown.

"When the opportunities came, I wanted to be ready for them," Vaki said. "You might not know how many touches you're going to get, so every one has to matter. Getting into the end zone twice and coming away with the win is something I'm proud of."

Detroit held a relatively steady advantage without fully separating, and Tampa Bay's defense continued to apply pressure. The Buccaneers recorded three sacks, including two from Rueben Bain Jr., while keeping the final margin at three points.

The broader statistical contrast still favored the Lions. Detroit outgained Tampa Bay 418-294 and recorded seven more first downs. The Lions converted 5 of 10 third downs, compared with 4 of 15 for the Buccaneers, and reached the red zone four times with two touchdowns.

Tampa Bay found its strongest offensive rhythm on the ground. Bucky Irving carried a game-high 16 times for 98 yards, including a 26-yard run, as the Buccaneers finished with 143 rushing yards. Their perfect 3-for-3 showing on fourth down also reflected an offense that repeatedly extended its chances even as third downs proved more difficult.

Baker Mayfield finished 16 of 33 for 151 yards, two touchdowns and an 81.7 passer rating. Emeka Egbuka was Tampa Bay's leading receiver with five catches for 76 yards and a touchdown. Chris Godwin Jr added four receptions for 30 yards and the Buccaneers' other receiving score.

"We had stretches where we moved it, but 4-for-15 on third down isn't the kind of efficiency we need," Mayfield said. "The running game gave us production, and we stayed competitive. We just didn't finish enough of the opportunities we had."

The Buccaneers made three red-zone trips but scored only one touchdown on those possessions. Detroit, by comparison, turned two of its four red-zone appearances into touchdowns. Neither defense recorded an interception, leaving the game to be shaped largely by offensive efficiency and the Lions' sizable advantage through the air.

St. Brown said Detroit's balanced receiving production was an encouraging sign for an offense that had entered the week looking to halt its slide.

"When that many guys are involved, the defense has to account for everybody," St. Brown said. "Jared was putting the ball where we could make something happen, and we kept working across the whole field. The important part is that we got the result."

For Detroit, the three-point victory brought its record back to 5-5. Tampa Bay also moved to 5-5 after entering Week 11 with a one-game winning streak.

Up Next

The Lions will remain home in Week 12 to face the Chicago Bears and try to build on the victory, while the Buccaneers return home looking to rebound against the Carolina Panthers.