Detroit Lions Win 24-9 Over Buccaneers Led by Strong Defense, Goff Acknowledges Improvement Needed

The Detroit Lions improved to a 5-2 record with a 24-9 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by quarterback Jared Goff who emphasized the team's high standards and accountability despite the win. Goff candidly acknowledged that the offense left many scoring opportunities unconverted, reflecting a culture shift under coach Dan Campbell towards expecting dominance rather than merely winning. The Lions' defense played a pivotal role, overcoming injuries and limiting the Buccaneers, led by MVP favorite Baker Mayfield, to just one touchdown, with several lesser-known players stepping up impressively. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs also made significant contributions, showcasing explosive speed and helping the offense despite Goff's critique of the unit's overall performance. Goff further highlighted that wins are a collective team effort rather than an individual quarterback statistic, underscoring the strong defensive and offensive support. This mindset signals the Lions' ambition not just to win games but to do so convincingly, setting a championship-caliber tone for the season.