Defences were on top for most of another electric evening in the Motor City, with Cade Otton’s touchdown for Tampa Bay cancelling out a Josh Reynolds score to make it 10-10 at half-time.
The third quarter started with three punts before quarterbacks Jared Goff and Baker Mayfield, both former number one draft picks, finally got some offence going.
Craig Reynolds crashed into the end zone from a yard for the Lions, before the Bucs replied with Mayfield sending Rachaad White over for a 12-yard score.
Jahmyr Gibbs charged into the corner from 31 yards to put Detroit back in front at the start of the fourth quarter, before Amon-Ra St Brown’s touchdown gave them breathing space.
Again Tampa Bay hit straight back with Mayfield finding Mike Evans to keep the game alive, but the Tampa Bay QB’s second interception got the party started in Detroit.
Goff, who finished with 287 passing yards and two touchdown passes, now has the chance to reach a second Super Bowl having led the Los Angeles Rams to the big game in 2019.
