Game story
In Week 1 of the 2011 NFL season on 2011-09-11, the Detroit Lions took care of business against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, pulling away with a 27–20 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 19 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Freeman (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) paced the passing game, with +3.71 total EPA, and +6.4% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, M. Stafford (Detroit Lions) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +15.09 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-16.8% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Detroit Lions changed the game: (5:57) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left intended for 89-W.Heller INTERCEPTED by 25-A.Talib at DET 28. 25-A.Talib for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on TB-25-A.Talib, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 ya
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | 9 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 27 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 10 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 20 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Stafford · Detroit Lions · Passing · +15.09 total EPA · 34 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
- 2 C. Johnson · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +6.87 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.69 EPA/play
- 3 M. Williams · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +5.43 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
- 4 N. Burleson · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +4.50 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.90 EPA/play
- 5 J. Freeman · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +3.71 total EPA · 47 snaps · +0.08 EPA/play
- 6 K. Winslow · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +3.15 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
- 7 M. Morris · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +2.84 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.42 EPA/play
- 8 T. Scheffler · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +2.75 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.75 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Stafford — DET · Passing
M. Stafford posted the highest total EPA (+15.09) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Detroit Lions's efficiency. Across 34 counted snaps, they averaged +0.44 EPA per play.
The signature play (-6.83 EPA) came from Detroit Lions: (5:57) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left intended for 89-W.Heller INTERCEPTED by 25-A.Talib at DET 28. 25-A.Talib for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on TB-25-A.Talib, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced betwee
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — A. Talib
- Detroit Lions — C. Johnson (M. Stafford pass)
- Detroit Lions — T. Scheffler (M. Stafford pass)
- Detroit Lions — C. Johnson (M. Stafford pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Williams (J. Freeman pass)
Field goals
- Detroit Lions — J. Hanson
- Detroit Lions — L. Blount
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Barth
- Detroit Lions — J. Hanson
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Barth
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 10–9. Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the TB 4 (Q1 54:02) — (9:02) 4-J.Hanson 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-R.Donahue.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the DET 21 (Q1 53:45) — (8:45) 27-L.Blount up the middle to DET 21 for no gain (99-C.Williams).; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the DET 20 (Q1 52:17) — (7:17) 10-C.Barth 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Yount, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the TB 73 (Q1 50:57); Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q1 50:47) — 10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Yount, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the TB 10 (Q1 45:57) — (:57) 4-J.Hanson 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-R.Donahue..
The second quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 14–3. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the TB 36 (Q2 37:25) — (7:25) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass deep right to 81-C.Johnson for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q2 37:16) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-R.Donahue.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the TB 11 (Q2 31:26) — (1:26) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right to 85-T.Scheffler for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q2 31:16) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-R.Donahue.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the DET 13 (Q2 30:04) — (:04) (Field Goal formation) 10-C.Barth 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Yount, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
The third quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 7–0. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the TB 1 (Q3 21:23); Detroit Lions added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q3 21:16) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-R.Donahue..
The fourth quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 7–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the DET 5 (Q4 1:40); Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q4 1:35) — 10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Yount, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Detroit Lions (Q1 50:57) — (5:57) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left intended for 89-W.Heller INTERCEPTED by 25-A.Talib at DET 28. 25-A.Talib for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on TB-25-A.Talib, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 ya
- Detroit Lions (Q2 37:25) — (7:25) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass deep right to 81-C.Johnson for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 53:58) — 4-J.Hanson kicks 64 yards from DET 35 to TB 1. 18-S.Stroughter to DET 21 for 78 yards (29-J.Wendling).
- Detroit Lions (Q2 34:17) — (4:17) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left to 13-N.Burleson to DET 49 for 29 yards (26-S.Jones).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 40:34) — (10:34) 5-J.Freeman pass deep right intended for 17-A.Benn INTERCEPTED by 23-C.Houston at DET 0. Touchback. Penalty on TB-19-M.Williams, Illegal Motion, declined. Penalty on TB-17-A.Benn, Offensive Pa
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Detroit Lions (Q1 50:57) — (5:57) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left intended for 89-W.Heller INTERCEPTED by 25-A.Talib at DET 28. 25-A.Talib for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on TB-25-A.Talib, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 ya
- Detroit Lions (Q2 37:25) — (7:25) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass deep right to 81-C.Johnson for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 1:40) — (1:40) (Shotgun) 5-J.Freeman pass short middle to 19-M.Williams for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 53:58) — 4-J.Hanson kicks 64 yards from DET 35 to TB 1. 18-S.Stroughter to DET 21 for 78 yards (29-J.Wendling).
Quarterback report card
J.Freeman led all passers in efficiency for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Freeman (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 47 dropbacks · 59.6% completion · +6.4% CPOE · +0.08 EPA/play · +3.71 total EPA
- M.Stafford (Detroit Lions) · 34 dropbacks · 70.6% completion · +11.3% CPOE · +0.44 EPA/play · +15.09 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Detroit Lions | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.139 | +0.021 |
| Offensive success rate | 50.0% | 44.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.444 | +0.018 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.205 | -0.587 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.021 | -0.139 |
| Defensive success rate | 55.4% | 50.0% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Detroit Lions generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.14 vs +0.02), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Detroit Lions: 11 drives, +12.53 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 13 drives, +1.76 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Detroit Lions leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- M. Stafford (Detroit Lions) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. Freeman (TB) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- M. Stafford (DET) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q1 54:02 · TB 4 · Score 3-0
(9:02) 4-J.Hanson 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-R.Donahue. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q1 53:45 · DET 21 · Score 3-0
(8:45) 27-L.Blount up the middle to DET 21 for no gain (99-C.Williams). - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q1 52:17 · DET 20 · Score 3-3
(7:17) 10-C.Barth 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Yount, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q1 50:57 · TB 73 · Score 3-9
(5:57) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left intended for 89-W.Heller INTERCEPTED by 25-A.Talib at DET 28. 25-A.Talib for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on TB-25 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q1 50:47 · DET 2 · Score 3-10
10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Yount, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q1 45:57 · TB 10 · Score 6-10
(:57) 4-J.Hanson 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-R.Donahue. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 37:25 · TB 36 · Score 12-10
(7:25) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass deep right to 81-C.Johnson for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 37:16 · TB 2 · Score 13-10
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-R.Donahue. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 31:26 · TB 11 · Score 19-10
(1:26) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right to 85-T.Scheffler for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 31:16 · TB 2 · Score 20-10
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-R.Donahue. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q2 30:04 · DET 13 · Score 20-13
(:04) (Field Goal formation) 10-C.Barth 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Yount, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q3 21:23 · TB 1 · Score 26-13
(6:23) 9-M.Stafford pass short right to 81-C.Johnson for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q3 21:16 · TB 2 · Score 27-13
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-6-R.Donahue. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 1:40 · DET 5 · Score 27-19
(1:40) (Shotgun) 5-J.Freeman pass short middle to 19-M.Williams for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 1:35 · DET 2 · Score 27-20
10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Yount, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The Detroit Lions beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-20 in Week 1, 2011 on 2011-09-11.
What was the final score of Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The final score was Detroit Lions 27, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20 (DET 27-20 TB) in Week 1, 2011 on 2011-09-11.
What was the score by quarter in Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Q1: Detroit Lions 9, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10; Q2: Detroit Lions 14, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3; Q3: Detroit Lions 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0; Q4: Detroit Lions 0, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Final: Detroit Lions 27, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — A. Talib (Q1 50:57) Detroit Lions touchdown — C. Johnson (M. Stafford pass) (Q2 37:25) Detroit Lions touchdown — T. Scheffler (M. Stafford pass) (Q2 31:26) Detroit Lions touchdown — C. Johnson (M. Stafford pass) (Q3 21:23) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — M. Williams (J. Freeman pass) (Q4 1:40) Detroit Lions field goal — J. Hanson (Q1 54:02, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — L. Blount (Q1 53:45, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — C. Barth (Q1 52:17, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — J. Hanson (Q1 45:57, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — C. Barth (Q2 30:04, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
J. Freeman (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 59.6% completion, +6.4% CPOE, +0.08 EPA per dropback, +3.71 total passing EPA. M. Stafford (Detroit Lions), 70.6% completion, +11.3% CPOE, +0.44 EPA per dropback, +15.09 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
M. Stafford (Detroit Lions) led the game in total EPA with +15.09 on passing plays. across 34 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-6.83 EPA): (5:57) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left intended for 89-W.Heller INTERCEPTED by 25-A.Talib at DET 28. 25-A.Talib for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on TB-25-A.Talib, Unsportsma. The biggest win-probability swing was -16.8%.
Was Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Detroit Lions won 27-20 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Detroit Lions
Now 1-0 W
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Now 0-1 L
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