Dallas Cowboys (7-8) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7): 26-24
After the Falcons' victory over the Giants, the Buccaneers had the obligation to win in order to have their destiny in their hands to reach the playoffs.
Unfortunately, Todd Bowles' men lost on the Dallas pitch at the end of the suspense. The cause of this defeat mainly comes from the Cowboys' defense, intractable against Baker Mayfield and his attack in the second half. The last action of the match is the symbol of this, with DaRon Bland snatching the ball from Rachaad White's hands.
This defeat has consequences, since the Buccaneers lose the lead in the NFC South. They therefore no longer have their destiny in their hands, and must count on a defeat by the Falcons in the last 2 games. As long as they are perfect on their side if they want to see the playoffs.
Eliminated before even starting the match, the Cowboys scored a great victory, and can still hope to achieve a positive result at the end of the regular season.
Dallas in rhythm, Tampa Bay in reaction
The Cowboys made their mark at home, and quickly led 10-0 against the Buccaneers who had not yet entered the match. During this time, Jalen Tolbert scored his 6th touchdown of the season on a pass from a Cooper Rush (26/35, 292 yards, TD) record in the 1st half passing (226 yards).
Todd Bowles' players react in the second quarter. Bucky Irving (16 races, 92 yards, TD) shakes the Dallas defense, and finishes a superb offensive series where Mike Evans (5 REC, 69 yards) shines spectacularly. However, his alter ego CeeDee Lamb (7 REC, 105 yards) did better despite his shoulder injury. The receiver already has 100 yards at halftime, but doesn't have a touchdown yet. Stopped a yard from the promised land, he saw Ezekiel Elliott score his 83rd touchdown in a Cowboys jersey in his career.
Tampa Bay's response was not long in coming. In less than a minute, the Buccaneers go back 71 yards in 7 plays. A series concluded by another Jalen, McMillan (5 REC, 57 yards, TD), on a pass from Baker Mayfield. Dallas still appears resilient, and manages to maintain the gap (23-14).
The Cowboys rule the roost
The second half is much more choppy. Without CeeDee Lamb for a few plays, the Cowboys offense is slipping. That of the Buccaneers is not doing much better, Baker Mayfield (31/43, 304 yards, 2 TDs, INT) not finding his preferred target Mike Evans. When the latter is found, the receiver is cut by Donovan Wilson.
The safety is the symbol of a Cowboys defense full of determination. Following a sack, he is not far from recovering the ball in a good position for his attack. Still in reaction, the Buccaneers finally open the playbook, but this has fatal consequences. After Donovan Wilson, it was cornerback Jourdan Lewis who won his duel against rookie Jalen McMillan for a spectacular interception.
Finally, Ryan Miller will reduce the score and Vita Vea may have managed to stop Jake Ferguson, but that will not be enough. We will therefore have to be perfect in the last 2 matches to reach the playoffs.
