This past Monday, October 20, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell to a dominant Detroit Lions team that showcased a relentless defense. From the opening kickoff, the Lions barely allowed quarterback Baker Mayfield a moment to breathe.
The pressure was relentless from the start against a player who, at least until this past Monday Night Football, had been considered a legitimate MVP candidate for the way he had led his team. Wins had been frequent, but more impressive was how he secured them, often in the closing minutes of games.
However, all that momentum vanished last night. Detroit’s aggressive defense completely disrupted Mayfield’s rhythm, preventing him from executing his plays comfortably and turning the entire evening into a disaster for Tampa Bay.
Amid the pain, anger, and frustration of the loss-and the way it unfolded, Mayfield voiced several pointed comments about the officiating that could very well earn him a fine.
What Baker Mayfield said about the referees
Third-down defensive holding call that wasn’t called, also still pretty damn confused about the double review… A lot of things in that game that were a little questionable.
Those were the words of the Buccaneers quarterback following the game as he addressed the media, visibly frustrated with the officiating.
The signal-caller from Florida team was referring to a controversial play in which tight end Cade Otton appeared to have secured a first down. After reviewing the play, Lions head coach Dan Campbell threw the challenge flag. Upon further examination, the officials overturned the call, wiping out what had been a crucial opportunity for Tampa Bay to get back into the game.
A lot of frustration at the end of that, might be displaced onto [referee] John Hussey in the moment, but I work my a- off and put a lot into this game, so when things that I don’t seem, are deemed fair, I’m going to let somebody know, and that’s good, bad, indifferent,” Mayfield continued, clearly struggling to understand why the call had gone against them.
Pat McAfee sided with Mayfield, but not Todd Bowles
Sports analyst Pat McAfee agreed with Mayfield’s assessment, posting his reaction on X:
The NFL looking out for Detroit… LOVE TO SEE IT.
However, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles had a more tempered take on the situation.
It was an interesting call after they made it, but at the same time, we got the ball back, so it didn’t cost us anything, but it did cost us time on the clock. But that didn’t win or lose the game.
In the end, the Lions exposed Tampa Bay in an ugly fashion, leaving the Buccaneers with plenty to fix, starting with improving the protection for their quarterback.
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