It was over when ...
Detroit recovered a fumble at its own 7-yard line and scored nine plays later when Calvin Johnson took a reverse into the end zone. The touchdown capped a drive that took 5:21 off the clock and put the game out of reach. The Bucs made a furious comeback in the final two minutes, but could only get to within seven points.
Game balls
The Lions were ready for a cooly efficient Jeff Garcia (37-for-45, 316 yards, 2 TDs). They weren't expecting RB Earnest Graham to ignite the Bucs' battered running attack. Graham finished with 92 yards on 19 carries and was also Tampa Bay's leading receiver, hauling in 13 passes for 99 yards.
Key stat
The Bucs defense held one of the top-ranked pass attacks to 147 yards, while the offense held the ball for nearly 12 more minutes and out-gained the Lions 422 to 278. But Tampa Bay also had a punt blocked, lost two fumbles (which the Lions turned into 14 points) and were penalized seven times for 60 yards -- including a delay of game penalty coming out of a timeout in the third quarter.
Noteworthy
This was one of only two games in Week 7 played between two teams with winning records. ... Tampa Bay QB Jeff Garcia completed 18 straight passes at one point -- a franchise record. ... Tampa Bay return specialist Mark Jones was carted off the field late in the first quarter with a knee injury. ... Bucs' WR Joey Galloway passed the 10,000 yards receiving milestone for his career.
