Mayfield Slams Refs After Buccaneers' 24-9 Loss

The Detroit Lions beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-9 on Monday Night, leaving both teams 5-2, while Tampa Bay’s postgame focus centered more on officiating than the loss. Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield publicly lambasted the crew, citing a missed third‑down defensive holding and a controversial “double review” that overturned a fourth‑and‑4 catch by Cade Otton, and he exchanged words with referee John Hussey after the game. The NFL replay office said an enhanced alternate broadcast angle prompted the second look and that referee-to-referee communication issues delayed Hussey’s view of the replay. Mayfield was under heavy pressure, completing 28-of-50 passes for 228 yards, one TD and one INT while being sacked four times. Tampa Bay also suffered a major loss when wide receiver Mike Evans left with a collarbone injury that could sideline him for months. The Buccaneers have a quick turnaround with a Sunday game looming, and coach Todd Bowles said the team failed to execute against a strong Lions performance.