(CBS DETROIT/AP) — The Detroit Lions (1-1) lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) 20-16 at Ford Field Sunday.
Tampa Bay fell behind only once in the closely contested game, and it stopped Detroit when it had two chances to drive for a go-ahead touchdown in the final minutes.
The Lions turned it over on downs at the Bucs 6 with 53 seconds left and again at their 26 with 2 seconds left.
Lions coach Dan Campbell lamented a mistake he made in the first half, causing confusion for his offense and special teams that had both units on the field. That drew a flag that ran off the clock and took away an opportunity to kick a short field goal and pull within four points.
If Detroit made that field goal, it potentially would've been a kick away from winning the game in the fourth quarter.
Jared Goff hurt the Lions' chances of winning the divisional round rematch, throwing two interceptions. He also was fortunate when defenders dropped two other passes that could have been picked off. He finished 34 of 55 for 307 yards.
Mayfield, meanwhile, was efficient through the air by completing 12 of 19 passes for 185 yards, including a tiebreaking 41-yard touchdown pass to Chris Godwin in the second quarter. He also ran four times for 35 yards. Godwin had seven catches for 117 yards.
Detroit beat the Bucs 31-23 in the divisional round in January at home after a 20-6 win last October on the road, but couldn't overcome its miscues and missed opportunities at Ford Field.
The Lions were relegated to field goals until David Montgomery ran for a go-ahead, 1-yard touchdown late in the third quarter.
Detroit's Aidan Hutchinson had three sacks in the first quarter and finished with a career-high five sacks.
Amon-Ra St. Brown had 11 receptions for 119 yards for the Lions.
Injuries
Bucs: DT Vita Vea left the game with a knee injury. Three starters — OT Luke Goedeke (concussion), DL Calijah Kancey (calf) and S Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) — were inactive with injuries.
Lions: LB Alex Anzalone was knocked out of the game with a concussion and starting DE Marcus Davenport (groin) was inactive.
Up next
Detroit will go on the road to play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
Lions fail to capitalize on final drive, fall to Buccaneers
The Lions had possession with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter, but failed to score. The Buccaneers leave Ford Field with a 20-16 win.
Goff picked off for a second time
Jared Goff has thrown his second interception of the game. This time, Buccaneers safety Christian Izien picked it off. The Buccaneers lead the Lions 20-16 with 7:34 left in the fourth quarter.
Buccaneers retake lead after Mayfield run
The Buccaneers have retaken the lead following a 11-yard run from quarterback Baker Mayfield. The score is now 20-16.
Lions take the lead in the third
The Lions are now up on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16-13 after a 1-yard touchdown run from David Montgomery.
Bates gets first points of the second half
Jake Bates hit his third field goal of the game with 11:53 left in the third quarter, cutting the Buccaneers lead down to four.
Lions get interception with less than 2 minutes in the half
Lions safety Brian Branch picked off Baker Mayfield with 1:51 left in the second quarter.
Buccaneers' Godwin scores touchdown
Tampa Bay is back on top after a 41-yard passing touchdown from Baker Mayfield to Chris Godwin. Buccaneers now lead 13-6.
Lions tie it up with 35-yard field goal
The Lions have tied it up in the second quarter thanks to a 35-yard field goal from Jake Bates. The score is 6-6.
Bates gets Lions on the board
Kicker Jake Bates gets the Lions on the board with a 22-yard field goal. Bates has hit all three of his field goal attempts this season. The Buccaneers hold a 6-3 lead.
Mclaughlin hits second field goal for Buccaneers
Chase Mclaughlin kicks the second field goal of the first quarter for Tampa Bay. This time, it was from 55 yards out. The Buccaneers lead 6-0.
Goff throws interception
The first offensive play of the game for the Lions results in an interception by cornerback Zyon McCollum.
Bucs on the board first
Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin gets Tampa Bay on the board first with a 30-yard field goal. Tampa Bay leads 3-0.
Williams, Sewell active for Lions
Wide receiver Jameson Williams and offensive lineman Penei Sewell are active today. Both players were listed as questionable on Friday's injury report.
Defensive lineman Marcus Davenport is out today with a groin injury.
Heading to a sports game in Detroit this weekend? Visitors urged to plan ahead
The Lions aren't the only game in Detroit on Sunday as the Tigers will host the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park at 12:10 p.m.
Click here to see how you can plan ahead if you are attending either game.