Joique Bell scored two touchdowns as the Detroit Lions cruised to a 34-17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field this evening.
© Getty Images
The Lions failed to open the scoring on their first drive, but a deep pass from Matthew Stafford to Calvin Johnson got Detroit off the mark midway through the first quarter.
Patrick Murray got Tampa Bay on the board with a 54-yard field goal, one short of his career long, but Josh McCown was intercepted by Glover Quin while looking for Mike Evans shortly after.
The hosts capitalised on the turnover, with Bell forcing his way over from just a yard out to extend Detroit's lead.
The Buccaneers did come back on the field before the end of the second quarter though, and were able to reduce the deficit when McCown looked for Evans again, with the rookie receiver managing to hold on this time.
The NFC North side rebuilt their lead during the third quarter, with Matt Prater kicking a field goal before tight end Joseph Fauria found the endzone for the team's third touchdown of the game.
The Buccaneers tried to get back into the game, and managed to reduce the lead again when Evans hauled in his second touchdown.
However, Bell also scored a second touchdown when a pass initially intended for Johnson was tipped towards the running back, who rushed over to put the win beyond doubt.
Despite the win, the Lions remain second in the NFC North, while the Buccaneers stay bottom in the NFC South with a 2-11 record.
