Granting that this analysis is correct (it seems to be disputed), 36 seconds to play from deep in your own territory with an 8-point deficit is a far cry from a

Granting that this analysis is correct (it seems to be disputed), 36 seconds to play from deep in your own territory with an 8-point deficit is a far cry from a guaranteed win. If the Lions had kicked a successful field goal instead of punting, that would be an 11-point deficit. Claiming that the Bucs lost because of this error is way off, they almost certainly would have lost anyway.