Lions hold off a late surge from the Bucs

Barry Sanders and the Detroit Lions ran through the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for three quarters. Then the Buccaneers surged late and nearly pulled off the victory.

Lion RB Barry Sanders is running rough shod over the NFL. He sliced through the Buccaneers defense for 151 yards and a TD at Holouhan Stadium Sunday. Barry now has 978 rushing yards on the season and is on pace for 2,235 yards this season, which would smash the all-time single season rushing record held by Eric Dickerson in 1984 with 2,105.

Barry also caught a TD pass from QB Scott Mitchell, and the Lions raced out to a commanding 24-0 lead with 9:15 to go in the third quarter. Then the Bucs went on a tear. They got a FG and then a Dunn TD. The Bucs blocked a James Jett punt and Anthony Parker recovered it in the end zone for a TD. It was 24-17 and the Bucs had the momentum.

The Lions squelched it when Ron Rivers broke free for a 24-yard run with 1:45 to play. The Bucs got a late TD bomb from Dilfer to Williams, but the Lions recovered an onside kick to secure the 30-24 victory.

The Lions are now tied with the Bucs for second place in the NFC North at 5-2. Both teams go into their bye next week.

1997 Game 86 Stats