Game story
In Week 15 of the 2002 NFL season on 2002-12-15, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took care of business against the Detroit Lions, pulling away with a 23–20 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
B. Johnson (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) paced the passing game, with +5.63 total EPA.
On the individual side, B. Schroeder (Detroit Lions) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +6.69 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-25.7% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Detroit Lions changed the game: (1:56) 4-J.Hanson 57 yard field goal is No Good, Short, Center-89-B.Banta, Holder-19-J.Jett.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 3 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 23 |
| Detroit Lions | 0 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 20 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 B. Schroeder · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +6.69 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.84 EPA/play
- 2 B. Johnson · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +5.63 total EPA · 44 snaps · +0.13 EPA/play
- 3 M. Pittman · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +2.90 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.58 EPA/play
- 4 K. Johnson · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +2.55 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
- 5 A. Cason · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +2.26 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.75 EPA/play
- 6 K. Dilger · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +2.22 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
- 7 M. Alstott · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Rushing · +2.01 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
- 8 R. Dudley · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +1.70 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.57 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
B. Schroeder — DET · Receiving
B. Schroeder posted the highest total EPA (+6.69) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Detroit Lions's efficiency. Across 8 counted snaps, they averaged +0.84 EPA per play.
The signature play (+5.25 EPA) came from Detroit Lions: 7-M.Gramatica kicks 66 yards from TB 30 to DET 4. 18-E.Drummond to TB 5 for 91 yards (7-M.Gramatica). PENALTY on TB-7-M.Gramatica, 3 yards, enforced at TB 5.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Alstott
- Detroit Lions — B. Schroeder (M. McMahon pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Pittman
- Detroit Lions — M. McMahon
Field goals
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Gramatica
- Detroit Lions — J. Hanson
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Gramatica
- Detroit Lions — J. Hanson
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Gramatica
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 3–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the DET 2 (Q1 55:45) — (10:45) 7-M.Gramatica 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-R.Benjamin, Holder-9-T.Tupa..
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 10–10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the DET 1 (Q2 44:21) — (14:21) 40-M.Alstott left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q2 44:17) — 7-M.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-66-R.Benjamin, Holder-9-T.Tupa.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the TB 18 (Q2 41:30) — (11:30) 8-M.McMahon pass to 84-B.Schroeder for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q2 41:24) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-89-B.Banta, Holder-19-J.Jett.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the TB 19 (Q2 35:39) — (5:39) 4-J.Hanson 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-89-B.Banta, Holder-19-J.Jett.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the DET 10 (Q2 30:18) — (:18) 7-M.Gramatica 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-R.Benjamin, Holder-9-T.Tupa..
The third quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 3–0. Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the TB 6 (Q3 27:05) — (12:05) 4-J.Hanson 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-89-B.Banta, Holder-19-J.Jett..
The fourth quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 10–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the DET 4 (Q4 10:12) — (10:12) 32-M.Pittman left tackle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q4 10:08) — 7-M.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-66-R.Benjamin, Holder-9-T.Tupa.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the TB 2 (Q4 9:50) — (9:50) 8-M.McMahon scrambles right end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q4 9:44) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-89-B.Banta, Holder-19-J.Jett.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the DET 20 (Q4 3:08) — (3:08) 7-M.Gramatica 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-R.Benjamin, Holder-9-T.Tupa..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Detroit Lions (Q4 1:56) — (1:56) 4-J.Hanson 57 yard field goal is No Good, Short, Center-89-B.Banta, Holder-19-J.Jett.
- Detroit Lions (Q4 10:08) — 7-M.Gramatica kicks 66 yards from TB 30 to DET 4. 18-E.Drummond to TB 5 for 91 yards (7-M.Gramatica). PENALTY on TB-7-M.Gramatica, 3 yards, enforced at TB 5.
- Detroit Lions (Q4 2:36) — (2:36) 8-M.McMahon pass to 84-B.Schroeder to TB 43 for 19 yards (38-J.Howell). Penalty on TB-97-S.Rice, Defensive Offside, declined.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 10:12) — (10:12) 32-M.Pittman left tackle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 6:23) — (6:23) 14-B.Johnson pass to 85-K.Dilger to DET 36 for 23 yards (29-C.Cash).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Detroit Lions (Q4 10:08) — 7-M.Gramatica kicks 66 yards from TB 30 to DET 4. 18-E.Drummond to TB 5 for 91 yards (7-M.Gramatica). PENALTY on TB-7-M.Gramatica, 3 yards, enforced at TB 5.
- Detroit Lions (Q4 13:19) — (13:19) 8-M.McMahon pass intended for 82-G.Crowell INTERCEPTED by 53-S.Quarles at TB 38. 53-S.Quarles to TB 42 for 4 yards (51-D.Raiola). Ball batted and intercepted.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 60:00) — 4-J.Hanson kicks 63 yards from DET 30 to TB 7. 27-A.Stecker to DET 26 for 67 yards (23-R.Cooper).
- Detroit Lions (Q2 41:30) — (11:30) 8-M.McMahon pass to 84-B.Schroeder for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
B.Johnson led all passers in efficiency for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- B.Johnson (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 44 dropbacks · 54.5% completion · +0.13 EPA/play · +5.63 total EPA
- M.McMahon (Detroit Lions) · 23 dropbacks · 43.5% completion · +0.06 EPA/play · +1.33 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.140 | +0.095 |
| Offensive success rate | 51.6% | 44.9% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.128 | -0.093 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.141 | +0.087 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.095 | -0.140 |
| Defensive success rate | 55.1% | 48.4% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Tampa Bay Buccaneers +0.14, Detroit Lions +0.10) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Detroit Lions: 11 drives, +6.53 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 11 drives, +13.03 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 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.
- B. Schroeder (Detroit Lions) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q1 55:45 · DET 2 · Score 3-0
(10:45) 7-M.Gramatica 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-R.Benjamin, Holder-9-T.Tupa. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 44:21 · DET 1 · Score 9-0
(14:21) 40-M.Alstott left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 44:17 · DET 2 · Score 10-0
7-M.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-66-R.Benjamin, Holder-9-T.Tupa. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 41:30 · TB 18 · Score 10-6
(11:30) 8-M.McMahon pass to 84-B.Schroeder for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 41:24 · TB 2 · Score 10-7
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-89-B.Banta, Holder-19-J.Jett. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q2 35:39 · TB 19 · Score 10-10
(5:39) 4-J.Hanson 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-89-B.Banta, Holder-19-J.Jett. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q2 30:18 · DET 10 · Score 13-10
(:18) 7-M.Gramatica 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-R.Benjamin, Holder-9-T.Tupa. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q3 27:05 · TB 6 · Score 13-13
(12:05) 4-J.Hanson 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-89-B.Banta, Holder-19-J.Jett. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 10:12 · DET 4 · Score 19-13
(10:12) 32-M.Pittman left tackle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 10:08 · DET 2 · Score 20-13
7-M.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-66-R.Benjamin, Holder-9-T.Tupa. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q4 9:50 · TB 2 · Score 20-19
(9:50) 8-M.McMahon scrambles right end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q4 9:44 · TB 2 · Score 20-20
4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-89-B.Banta, Holder-19-J.Jett. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q4 3:08 · DET 20 · Score 23-20
(3:08) 7-M.Gramatica 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-R.Benjamin, Holder-9-T.Tupa.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Detroit Lions 23-20 in Week 15, 2002 on 2002-12-15.
What was the final score of Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions?
The final score was Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23, Detroit Lions 20 (TB 23-20 DET) in Week 15, 2002 on 2002-12-15.
What was the score by quarter in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions?
Q1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3, Detroit Lions 0; Q2: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10, Detroit Lions 10; Q3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0, Detroit Lions 3; Q4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10, Detroit Lions 7; Final: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23, Detroit Lions 20.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — M. Alstott (Q2 44:21) Detroit Lions touchdown — B. Schroeder (M. McMahon pass) (Q2 41:30) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — M. Pittman (Q4 10:12) Detroit Lions touchdown — M. McMahon (Q4 9:50) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — M. Gramatica (Q1 55:45, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — J. Hanson (Q2 35:39, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — M. Gramatica (Q2 30:18, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — J. Hanson (Q3 27:05, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — M. Gramatica (Q4 3:08, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions?
B. Johnson (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 54.5% completion, +0.13 EPA per dropback, +5.63 total passing EPA. M. McMahon (Detroit Lions), 43.5% completion, +0.06 EPA per dropback, +1.33 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions?
B. Schroeder (Detroit Lions) led the game in total EPA with +6.69 on receiving plays. across 8 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.25 EPA): 7-M.Gramatica kicks 66 yards from TB 30 to DET 4. 18-E.Drummond to TB 5 for 91 yards (7-M.Gramatica). PENALTY on TB-7-M.Gramatica, 3 yards, enforced at TB 5.. The biggest win-probability swing was -25.7%.
Was Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Tampa Bay Buccaneers won 23-20 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 10-3 Now 11-3 W
Detroit Lions
Entered 3-10 Now 3-11 L
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