When Tez Johnson, the seventh‑round rookie from Oregon, snagged a 22‑yard touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield on Monday night, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally got within striking distance of the Detroit Lions. The play came late in the third quarter of the Week 7 NFL matchupFord Field, cutting the gap to 14‑9 and flashing a brief hope for a comeback.
How the game unfolded
Detroit opened the contest with a methodical 10‑point lead, forcing Tampa Bay into a series of three‑and‑out drives. The Bucs’ first real spark came just before halftime when kicker Chase McLaughlin nailed a 53‑yard field goal as the clock hit zero. That was the only points the offense managed before the third quarter.
Early in the third, Mayfield, playing his third start of the season, found tight end Micheal "Mike" Evans on a short out‑route, but the pair collided and the ball fell incomplete. Undeterred, Mayfield dropped back and launched a deep pass toward the right sideline. Johnson, who had been on the field for just 72 percent of offensive snaps after a spate of injuries, sprinted past a secondary that was already shorthanded. He secured the ball at the 22‑yard line, turned upfield, and crossed the plane for his second straight game‑winning score.
The Bucs attempted a two‑point conversion to close the gap further, but Mayfield’s pass to Evans was tipped away, leaving the scoreboard at 14‑9. The Lions added a field goal in the fourth quarter and held on for a 24‑9 victory.
Why Johnson’s role exploded
Johnson entered the season with a modest three targets over the first four weeks—a classic late‑round rookie scenario. But a cascade of injuries to the receiving corps turned the tide. Starting wide receivers Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (fibula) missed multiple games, while fellow rookie Emeka Egbuka sat out Week 7 with a hamstring strain.
Head coach Todd Bowles responded by inflating Johnson’s snap count from 36 percent in Week 6 to 72 percent against Detroit. The numbers back that decision: Johnson recorded three receptions for 45 yards, a 100 % catch rate on targets, and a 57.1 % air‑yard share in Week 6, according to a FantasyPros outlook published on October 16.
Veteran wideout Sterling Shepard told Sports Illustrated that “Johnson has the speed to stretch the field, and he’s learning the nuances fast.” That sentiment was echoed by Gridiron Experts, who noted his route‑running polish from his Oregon days.
Injury crisis that reshaped the Bucs offense
- Mike Evans – Hamstring injury suffered Sep 22, missed Weeks 4‑6.
- Chris Godwin – Fibula issue labeled “week‑to‑week” by Bowles since Week 2.
- Emeka Egbuka – Hamstring strain on Oct 12, sidelined for Week 7.
- Tez Johnson – Saw snap count double, becoming de‑facto number two receiver.
The Bucs’ passing attack dropped to 104 yards, the lowest total for a Mayfield start since his rookie season. Yet the limited production came with a silver lining: every pass to Johnson turned into a positive play, a fact that fantasy owners took note of.
Lions’ secondary woes
Detroit entered the game with a secondary that could barely field a full roster. Coach Dan Campbell listed cornerbacks Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, and Khalil Dorsey as out indefinitely, while safety Brian Branch served a one‑game suspension after a post‑game altercation with Kansas City. The resulting gap left opponents averaging 25 fantasy points per game against Detroit’s pass defense, according to Tampa Wire Sports Network.
For a rookie like Johnson, that presented a rare window of opportunity. He capitalized on mismatches, using his speed to outrun the remaining corners and find space in the middle of the field.
What the loss means for Tampa Bay
From a standings perspective, the 24‑9 defeat drops Tampa Bay to 2‑5, keeping them out of the playoff picture for now. More importantly, the game highlighted the Bucs' dependency on a thin receiving corps. If Evans and Godwin remain sidelined, Johnson may have to shoulder the bulk of the aerial attack for weeks to come.
Analysts from FantasyPros and Gridiron Experts both predict a continued rise in Johnson’s fantasy value, especially as the Lions’ secondary stays depleted. However, the Bucs’ offensive line struggled to protect Mayfield, allowing two sacks and an interception that halted any momentum.
Looking ahead, Bowles hinted at a possible trade move to bring in a veteran slot receiver before the trade deadline. Until then, Johnson’s chemistry with Mayfield will be the focal point of every Bucs game plan.
Key Facts
- Date & time: October 20 2025, 8:15 PM ET
- Venue: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
- Final score: Detroit Lions 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9
- Tez Johnson: 3 receptions, 45 yards, 1 TD
- Baker Mayfield: 14/23, 104 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tez Johnson’s breakout affect Tampa Bay’s offense?
Johnson’s speed and reliable hands give the Bucs a legitimate deep threat while the team’s other receivers recover from injuries. His 100 % catch rate on targets this week means the offense can design plays that stretch the field, potentially opening up underneath routes for the remaining backs.
What injuries are still sidelining the Buccaneers’ receiving group?
Mike Evans is out with a lingering hamstring strain, Chris Godwin remains on a week‑to‑week fibula list, and Emeka Egbuka is nursing a hamstring injury. The trio could return later in the season, but until then the Bucs will rely heavily on Johnson and the tight ends.
Why was Detroit’s secondary so vulnerable?
Coach Dan Campbell confirmed that cornerbacks Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, and Khalil Dorsey were ruled out with injuries, while safety Brian Branch served a one‑game suspension. The depleted unit had been surrendering an average of 25 fantasy points per game to opposing receivers, making it an ideal target for a speedy rookie like Johnson.
What does this loss mean for Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes?
Dropping to 2‑5 puts the Bucs well behind the early‑season pace needed for a postseason run. Unless the team can heal its receiving corps and boost its run game, they face a steep climb to stay alive in the NFC South race.
Is Tez Johnson a viable fantasy starter this week?
Fantasy analysts from Tampa Wire and FantasyPros rated Johnson as a “must‑start” against Detroit because the Lions’ secondary was missing key players and allowing high receiving points. His touchdown and high air‑yard share suggest a strong upside for weekly fantasy owners.
