Detroit Lions Win Opener over Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa 27 – 20

In a turn around from the opening quarter of play, in which the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense and special teams put the Bucs up 10-3, the Detroit Lions controlled the tone for the rest of the game. In the end the Lions remained on top with a final score of 27-20.

Lions took the opening kick-off, and as expected with the new rule change by the NFL moving the kickoff up to the 35 yard line, the kick went out of the back of the end zone resulting in a touch back. The Detroit’s offense, which was fairly consistent for most of the game, was able to move down the field steadily on their first possession. Tampa Bay defense held them to a field goal and it was 3-0 Lions.

On the kickoff, the Buccaneers special teams returned the kick from deep in the end zone and in a surprise returned it to the 21 yard line at the other end. Detroit held the Bucs to a field goal on that possession, but on third down for Detroit deep in their own end, the Tampa Bay intercepted a tipped pass and returned it for a touchdown.

The Bucs had momentum at 10-3, but the rest of the game was a different story. The Tampa Bay defense was not able to stop the Lions offense, and the Bucs offense never really got much going, punting several times.

With 1:37 left in the game, Tampa Bay Scored on a pass play on 4th down to get within 7 points of going to overtime. Detroit recovered the onside kick, and while Tampa was able to get the ball back with a little time on the clock, they eventually turned in over with a fumble with only seconds to go.