QB Mike Glennon's 85-yard touchdown pass to WR Tiquan Underwood – the fourth-longest completion in franchise history – gave the Buccaneers the lead in the fourth quarter and added another sparkling performance to the rookie passer's resume. Glennon completed 14 of 21 passes for 247 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, compiling a passer rating of 138.4.
The Bucs led at halftime, 17-14, after CB Leonard Johnson's 48-yard touchdown return of an interception, one of five key turnovers by Tampa Bay's defense. S Keith Tandy also turned back a scoring opportunity at the goal line in the third quarter with another interception of Lions QB Matthew Stafford.
The Buccaneers even got a big play from special teams, as for the second week in a row the punt-block unit got to the kicker. CB Danny Gorrer's blocked punt in the fourth quarter came shortly after Underwood's touchdown and gave the Bucs a chance to extend their lead, but K Rian Lindell just missed on a 35-yard field goal attempt. The ensuing Detroit drive was stopped short after Kris Durham fumbled and Kelcie McCray brought it back into Detroit territory, but Lindell was unable to connect on a 50-yard field goal attempt. A Johnthan Banks interception at the goal line with under a minute to go sealed the victory for the Bucs.
The Buccaneers improved to 3-8 with the victory while the Lions dropped to 6-5.
