John Hussey, officials initiate confusing double review on controversial call, give Lions challenge back after overturn

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were on the wrong side of a controversial double review during Monday’s Week 7 road contest against the Detroit Lions. Down 21-9 with 11:36 remaining in the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay lined up for a fourth-and-4 attempt from their own 37-yard line.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield completed a pass to tight end Cade Otton right at the sticks. Officials ruled it a first down, which prompted Lions head coach Dan Campbell to throw his challenge flag. Rather than review the spot, Campbell wanted to know if Otton completed the process of a catch as the ball came out when he hit the ground.

Official John Hussey announced that the ruling was upheld. However, Hussey came back and said that “after a second look,” Otton was short of the line to gain. Though Campbell did not challenge that specifically, Hussey and his officiating crew gave him back his challenge.

Coach’s challenge overturns the Buccaneers 1st down pic.twitter.com/6YYkgjYPnk

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) October 21, 2025

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles was not happy. It proved to be an important call at the time, as it gave Detroit the ball back in Tampa Bay territory. Four plays later, Jake Bates doinked a 58-yarder through the uprights to give the Lions a 15-point lead.

Lions get a few breaks, dominate Buccaneers on Monday Night Football

Detroit had control of the game from the very first possession when they jumped out to a 7-0 lead. The officiating controversies aside, Tampa Bay played its worst game of the season to this point. They were outgained 379-251. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs compiled 218 scrimmage yards, the most by a Lions player in a game since Calvin Johnson had 329 yards in 2013.

The Lions did it with a depleted secondary going up against one of the league’s best offenses in Tampa Bay. Detroit forced two turnovers and sacked Mayfield four times.