Key Points:
Baker Mayfield’s running ability has stood out in 2025
The Buccaneers face Detroit in Motown this Monday
Mayfield joined Bijan Robinson and others in a key stat category
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will take on a familiar NFC nemesis this coming Monday night with a game scheduled for Ford Field in downtown Detroit at 7 p.m. ET against the Lions.
The Buccaneers have lost three of their last five games to Detroit but brought home a 20-16 road win last season in the same venue and will seek revenge this week.
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Heading into the game, Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield has been spotlighted for his exceptional play in recent weeks including his penchant for scrambling and engineering fourth quarter comebacks.
A recent statistical analysis places Mayfield in elite company with a star Falcons running back and other players as he prepares to face Dan Campbell’s team on Monday.
Oct 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws downfield during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Mayfield Skilled at Avoiding Tackles
Mayfield ranks first among all NFL quarterbacks in broken tackles according to Pro Football Focus, as shared by Ian Hartitz of The Fantasy Life.
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Mayfield has avoided 14 tackles so far this season, most at his position.
Bijan Robinson leads all running backs with 39 tackles avoided so far this season while Deebo Samuel of the Washington Commanders leads wide receivers with 14 tackles avoided.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. of the Cleveland Browns is an unlikely entrant on the list, leading all tight ends with 15 tackles avoided.
Bucs Must Bring Their A Game at Lions
The Lions are out for revenge after last season and a series of questionable plays and referee decisions doomed them against the Chiefs this past Sunday night.
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The Lions showed plenty of fight against Patrick Mahomes team but came up short in a 30-17 loss in Kansas City last week.
The Bucs were outgained 463-216 last year in Detroit but secured two interceptions against Jared Goff and the Lions in a winning effort.
This year’s game could take an even better version of Mayfield than last year. Detroit’s secondary is hobbled, but Mayfield will face a ferocious pass rush that has wreaked havoc all season long.
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Mayfield’s ability to break tackles and run around them could be the straw that stirs the drink for coach Todd Bowles’ team.
The Buccaneers’ QB rushed five times for 34 yards and a touchdown during last year’s close shave win and might need to rely on his legs to make things happen again on Monday.
Related: Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation Makes New Scholarship Announcement
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.