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Bucs' Baker Mayfield Rails on Officiating After Lions' Win Over Buccaneers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 11:49 AM ET

Key Points:

Baker Mayfield was upset after Monday's loss
Two major alleged no-calls turned the tide in his mind
The Bucs have a quick turnaround and winnable game Sunday

The Detroit Lions beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by a score of 24-9 on Monday night, giving Lions fans plenty to cheer about and Bucs fans plenty to scratch their heads about afterward.

The Bucs' star QB Baker Mayfield led his team on multiple second half drives that didn't materialize in the points Tampa Bay needed as the Lions garnered key stop after key stop on their way to their fifth win of the season.

The Bucs and Lions are now tied at the same record (5-2) with Detroit getting revenge for last season's home loss to Mayfield's team.

Following the game, Mayfield couldn't help but speak out on the game's officiating crew after a "lot of things" frustrated and bothered him about the way the game was called.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) makes a pass against Detroit Lions during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Mayfield's Rant Captured on Film

Mayfield's rant against the officiating of Monday's game was captured on film as he spoke at a press conference.

"Still pretty damn confused about the double review," Mayfield said of a second half first down attempt that resulted from a pass to tight end Cade Otton.

The play was initially reviewed a first down and upheld by replay but a challenge from Lions coach Dan Campbell led to the call being overturned.

"Lots of things in that game that were a little questionable...When things I don't deem are fair I'm going to let somebody know," Mayfield said, also referencing an alleged defensive holding infraction that was not called on the Lions.

Baker Mayfield calls out the officiating after Bucs 24-9 loss to Lions.

“Still pretty damn confused about the double review. Lot of things in that game that were a little questionable … when things I don’t deem are fair I’m going to let somebody know.” pic.twitter.com/HE5Ng1VDZ9
— Josh Hill (@jdavhill) October 21, 2025

Bucs Have Quick Turnaround Before Sunday's Game

The Bucs have a quick turnaround with a game against the New Orleans Saints scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 26 at 4:05 p.m. ET.

The Bucs should have a big edge in the QB department with Mayfield going up against Spencer Rattler for the Saints, who threw three interceptions on the road against the Bears in a losing effort this past Sunday.

Mayfield showed plenty of swagger on Monday night but was foiled by an aggressive Lions defensive line that gave him little time to scan the field and step into his throws.

The Saints' pass rush isn't on par with the Lions, meaning the Bucs could feast again on offense.

Saints QB Spencer Rattler threw three interceptions against the Bears in Chicago on Oct. 19 and will face a Bucs defense that knows how to get after the quarterback.

Mayfield and the Bucs played far from their best game on Monday, now fans will find out what they're made of with a road game against a lesser team record-wise on the schedule.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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