Tuesday, 4 a.m.
The fall back to ordinary is a painful one.
All of the sudden, the quarterback doesn't look like the MVP of the league. The team doesn't look like the best in the conference.
The magical rookie can't be found. The defense gives up gaping holes. The new offensive coordinator doesn't look like a wizard.
There is no comeback, no miracle.
Instead, there is defeat. For one night, the Tampa Bay Bucs looked pedestrian. They lost, 24-9, in a convincing defeat.
The Bucs ran for just 42 yards. Baker Mayfield threw for 228, but he had several throws that saile on him. The offensive line gave up four sacks and constant pressures. The defense gave up 136 yards to Jahmyr Gibb. The secondary gave up 86 yards to Amon-Ra St. Brown.
It was a disappointing loss for a team that had challenged in all six of their previous games (although they lost one). Yes, the Bucs are still a wounded team, but the Lions were limping in their own secondary.
Wide receiver Mike Evans returned to play, but left with another injury (announced as a concussion and a shoulder). Rookie Emeka Egbuka played, too, after spending most of the week on the injured list. But he and Mayfield couldn't connect. (Egbuka caught just four balls on 12 targets).
In all, the Bucs were beaten by the Lions' quarterback, offensive line, wide receivers, running backs, pass rush, tackling and secondary. Ouch.
The Bucs are scheduled to travel to New Orleans Sunday.