Watch the Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers divisional playoff game live with highlights, scoring updates, and drive-by-drive analysis.

By @Watch the live divisional playoff game between the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers to get highlights, scoring updates, and drive-by-drive analysis.DetroitOnLion’s Jeremy ReismanRevised @ 5:25 p.m. EST on January 21, 2024; 14 Comments; 29 New

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers in a dramatic game on Saturday night, securing their spot in the NFC Championship. We’ll choose Sunday afternoon to go with them.

Few people anticipated that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Detroit Lions would be in town at this time. Even if the Lions were predicted to win the NFC North this year, an NFC title game is still a very high bar for a team that has been rebuilding from the ground up for over three years. At virtually any time throughout the season, however, the Buccaneers were not regarded as contenders. Their 9-8 record at the end of the season only allowed them to edge out a few other unimpressive NFC South clubs.

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Nevertheless, the Buccaneers are currently playing like they belong. They have an offensive line that is renowned for producing spectacular air plays and a defense that can render a team completely flat, making them a formidable team. It might be problematic, especially against the Lions.

The Lions had the greatest home field advantage of any Wild Card club last week, thanks to Ford Field. When the franchise hosts its first-ever divisional-round playoff game this Sunday, is it possible they may turn up the volume even more?

When the game begins at 3 p.m. ET, we’ll find out.

There will be real-time updates from Ford Field in this post. This site will be updated with drive-by-drive commentary, game highlights, and injury updates as soon as play begins. After kickoff, just reload the website to see the updates.

I’ll see you at kickoff!

initial quarter

After winning the toss, the Lions decided to receive the ball first. However, after Jared Goff’s third-and-three ball was swatted away at the line of scrimmage, their drive would soon end in a three-and-out.

Rachaad White’s 16-yard run gave Tampa the advantage and allowed them to move the gears first. But after the Buccaneers were forced to a third-and-long by an Ifeatu Melifonwu sack, a ball from Baker Mayfield was deflected high and intercepted by C.J. Gardner-Johnson.

Jameson Williams’ 10-yard pass to him and the Buccaneers’ personal foul added to Detroit’s speedy entry into the red zone. The Bucs defender dropped a pick that Goff almost threw in the end zone. After losing a yard on the play, the Lions had to settle for a field goal instead of trying to run on third-and-goal from the 3-yard line.Lions 3, 3-0.

Following an 18-yard third-and-two convert to Mike Evans, the Bucs drove to midfield. Trey Palmer was the recipient of a 29-yard pass from Mayfield after that. Brian Branch’s sack put the Bucs back behind the goal posts.

Tampa just ran a draw on third-and-18 to position themselves for an easier field goal. With 4:19 remaining in the first quarter, Chase McLaughlin tied the score with a nice 43-yard field goal.3-3 draw.

As the clock approached the second quarter, the Lions drove to midfield but were confronted with a third-and-four.

Quarter two

With pressure on his face, Goff hit Sam LaPorta for a 13-yard pass to maintain the drive. Within the Bucs’ red zone, the Lions quarterback found LaPorta again for another 15 yards. This time, the Lions wouldn’t back down, as Goff connected with Josh Reynolds for a 7-yard touchdown and a 10-3 advantage.The Lions would get their first chance to lead by two scores when the Bucs would soon go three and out. However, Detroit would only reach the middle before the drive was abandoned after three straight incomplete passes. Jonah Jackson, a left guard, was hurt during the drive and headed immediately to the locker room. Kayode Awosika took his position.Jackson would not come back.

Tampa swiftly won 23 games thanks to a rally led by Mike Evans. Ifeatu Melifonwu then failed to stop White on a third-and-seven, which was converted by the Bucs. After a blitz forced Mayfield to make an inaccurate throw, Tampa stopped on the Lions side of the field. A 50-yard field goal attempt was attempted by Tampa, but the kick missed the left upright.

With 2:24 remaining, the Lions would take over at their own 40-yard line. But Goff was fired on a third-and-short. The Bucs would have one more chance to cut into the Lions’ lead before halftime if Detroit had to punt straight back to Tampa.

With 1:28 remaining and all three timeouts in hand, Tampa would take the field from their own 8-yard line. The Bucs would soon get into field goal range, mostly because of Evans’ 27-yard gainy Mayfield again for a 29-yard

Quarter three

Despite starting the second half, Tampa was unable to take the lead. Surprisingly, the Buccaneers were still successful in the group with White, who started the series with rushes of five and fourteen yards. However, Aidan Hutchinson sacked Mayfield on a third-and-4 play from the Lions’ 39-yard line.

After a chop block penalty erased a big play and a third-down convert, the Lions soon went three-and-out. Right back against Detroit, Tampa went three and out despite having a favorable field position. On first down, Brian Branch made a terrific tackle for loss, and Kerby Joseph timed a pass break beautifully.

In the third quarter, the Lions offensive recommenced at their own 36-yard line with 8:11 remaining. Tight end Brock Wright was struck by Detroit on a third-and-1 play that resembled his game-winning score against the New York Jets in 2022.