During and following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 24-9 defeat against the Detroit Lions on Monday night, Baker Mayfield engaged in a verbal exchange with the game officials.
The Buccaneers’ field general was observed expressing his discontent to NFL official John Hussey after Tampa Bay’s last series of downs. Mayfield was forthcoming in his comments when questioned regarding his discussion with referee John Hussey and his overall evaluation of the officiating crew’s performance during the game.
“There was a third down defensive holding that was not flagged, and I remain quite puzzled by the double review,” declared Mayfield, who did not restrain his thoughts. “There were several instances throughout the game that seemed somewhat questionable … I devote considerable effort and dedication to this game, so when [decisions] are made that I perceive as unjust, I will certainly voice my concerns.”
The “double review” to which Mayfield alluded transpired in the early stages of the fourth quarter, when Mayfield connected with tight end Cade Otton for a four-yard reception on a fourth-and-4 situation. The officials initially upheld the ruling that Otton had successfully completed the catch and achieved the subsequent first down after the Lions contested the play.
Unexpectedly, Hussey was summoned back to examine the play further and ultimately overturned the original decision, granting possession to the Lions and reinstating Detroit’s timeout.
This marked the second instance during the game where a play involving Mayfield and Otton was reversed. Earlier in the first half, the officials overturned a three-yard completion to Otton, instead determining that Mayfield’s pass had been intercepted by Arthur Maulet. According to the established rule, possession is awarded to the offensive player in cases where possession is deemed equally contested at 50-50.
It is undeniable that the Buccaneers found themselves on the unfavorable end of several close judgment calls on Monday night. Nevertheless, Tampa Bay’s setback was also a consequence of the Lions’ superior performance in all aspects of the game, particularly in their ground attack. Detroit amassed 164 rushing yards, with Jahmyr Gibbs contributing 136 yards and two touchdowns. In contrast, the Buccaneers managed only 41 rushing yards on 12 attempts, as they spent the majority of the contest playing from a trailing position.
Compounding the Buccaneers’ troubles was the loss of one of their key players, Mike Evans, who is projected to be sidelined for the majority of the team’s remaining regular-season games following a collarbone injury sustained during the second quarter.
