By Moses Joshua 
Detroit dominates Tampa Bay, and the best may still be yet to come as key defenders near return.
Lions Silence the Buccaneers Under the Lights
The Detroit Lions put on a defensive masterclass in their 24–9 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. Coming into the matchup, Tampa Bay’s offense had been red-hot — scoring 30-plus points in consecutive games and piling up over 350 yards of total offense each time.
But that momentum came to a screeching halt under the bright lights of Ford Field. The Lions’ defense suffocated Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers, limiting them to just nine points and a mere 251 total yards.
What makes the win even more impressive is the fact that Detroit pulled it off while missing nearly half of its starting secondary. Despite the adversity, Dan Campbell’s team delivered a commanding performance that reaffirmed their NFC contender status.
“We’re Gonna Get a Lot of Players Back”
Following the victory, head coach Dan Campbell shared a promising update that should have fans buzzing even more than the win itself.
“Good news is, we’re gonna get a lot of players back… that’s encouraging. While we’re only getting better and better, we’re gonna get some of our players back, too,” Campbell told The Detroit News’ Nolan Bianchi.
That’s music to the ears of Lions fans, as Detroit’s defense has been one of the league’s best — even without several of its key contributors. The return of multiple defensive starters could turn an already formidable unit into a championship-caliber group.
Reinforcements Are on the Way
Detroit welcomed back Alim McNeill on Monday night after his long recovery from a season-ending ACL injury suffered in 2024. His return instantly strengthened the interior line, helping collapse pockets and stuff Tampa’s run game.
Campbell also expects Marcus Davenport to return shortly after the team’s Week 8 bye. The veteran edge rusher, who went down with a pectoral strain earlier in the season, will add valuable depth and pass-rushing firepower opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Meanwhile, help in the secondary is on the horizon. Safeties Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (suspension) are both expected back soon, while top cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed are progressing steadily in their recoveries. Arnold, who’s been sidelined since Week 4, could rejoin the lineup by Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings. Reed is eligible to return in Week 10 when the Lions travel to face Washington.
The Bottom Line
Detroit’s latest victory wasn’t just a statement — it was a warning. The Lions are already winning shorthanded, and now, reinforcements are on the way.
With Campbell’s squad poised to regain several defensive starters, the Lions’ ceiling is only getting higher. If the energy inside Ford Field on Monday was any indication, Detroit’s roar is about to get even louder in the weeks to come.