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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ two-game winning streak ended Monday night as the Lions dominated the Bucs en route to a 24-9 victory.
However, much of the postgame talk focused on the officiating of the game, not the Lions’ performance. In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield confronted one of the referees.
Mayfield was later asked about the heated exchange. He proceeded to share his thoughts on his experience as a referee on Monday night.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) reacts against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Ford Field on Oct. 20, 2025 in Detroit. (Lon Horwedel/Image Images)
“A defensive holding call on third down that wasn’t called, and also pretty confusing about the double review,” Mayfield said. “A lot of things in that game were a little questionable… I work hard and put a lot into this game, so when [calls are made] I don’t think they’re considered fair, I’ll let someone know.”
The controversial review Mayfield referenced occurred in the second half after the Heisman Trophy winner completed a short pass to Tampa Bay tight end Cade Otton on fourth down.
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Following a challenge from the Lions, officials initially upheld the decision that Otton completed the sack. It was also determined that Otton gained the yards necessary for a first down. However, a referee returned to the video review monitor and eventually announced that the on-field call had been reversed.

Baker Mayfield (6) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to pass in the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 20, 2025 in Detroit. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The reversal gave possession to the Lions and also resulted in a timeout being restored.
An overturned play early in the game also sparked outrage. The referees ruled that a three-yard pass intended for Otton was intercepted by the Lions.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) makes a pass against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Oct. 20, 2025. (Junfu Han/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Aside from the officiating controversy, the Bucs had little success in finding a counter to the Lions’ running game. Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 136 yards and scored two touchdowns, while running back David Montgomery added 21 yards for the Lions.
On the contrary, Tampa Bay managed to generate a total of 41 yards on the ground.
Star receiver Mike Evans left the game on a medical cart. He has since been diagnosed with a broken collarbone. The New Orleans Saints host the Bucs on Sunday in a matchup between NFC South rivals.