Buccaneers Falter Again as Cowboys Clinch a Playoff Birth

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ comeback bid fell short as they fell to the Cowboys 20-27 on Sunday at AT&T Stadium. The victory clinched the division title for the Dallas Cowboys as they moved to 8-0 on the season in games where they score 20 or more points. The Tampa Bay offensive struggles in the redzone continued as they only converted 50% (2/4) of their opportunities.

First Quarter

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers scored an opening drive field goal by Cairo Santos, thanks to a 38-yard reception by Mike Evans. However, the Cowboys responded with a touchdown. Dak Prescott scored a rushing touchdown after a fake to Ezekiel Elliott, giving the Cowboys a 3-7 lead. Later in the quarter, the Cowboys scored again by stripping Jameis Winston and returning the fumble for a touchdown. The Jaylon Smith 69-yard touchdown gave Dallas a 3-14 lead.

Second Quarter

Cairo Santos nailed a 45-yard field goal at the beginning of the quarter to bring the Buccaneers within one score 6-14. The defense played well in the second quarter, only allowing a 59-yard field goal by Brett Maher. The Tampa Bay offense rallied together for a touchdown drive at the end of the quarter, executing the two-minute drill to perfection. Adam Humphries and DeSean Jackson made catches on the final first half drive that helped lead to a Jacquizz Rodgers touchdown run. After the extra point, the Buccaneers trailed the Cowboys 13-17 heading into halftime. Vita Vea also sacked Dak Prescott on the last play of the first half, for his third sack of the season.

Second Half

Third Quarter

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense forced a punt on the first Cowboys’ possession of the first half. Cairo Santos missed a 52-yard field goal, which set up Dallas with good field position. Dallas converted the field position into a field goal to extend the lead to 13-20. On the next Tampa Bay possession, a fumble set the Cowboys up with first-and-goal. Dak Prescott found Michael Gallup for a touchdown. Brent Grimes looked completely lost in coverage as Gallup beat Grimes to the back pylon.

Fourth Quarter

A 17-play drive with two fourth down conversions resulted in no points as the Buccaneers were stopped on fourth down in side the redzone. A delay of game turned the fourth and one into a fourth and six. The drive took 9:35 off the clock. The Cowboys took over inside their own five and killed 3:20 off of the clock. Tampa Bay was able to put together a touchdown drive that left 2:00 on the clock, but the failed onside kick ended the game. Mike Evans caught the touchdown from Jameis Winston.

Jameis Winston totaled 336 passing yards and a touchdown. Mike Evans led the Buccaneers in receiving with six receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown.

Dak Prescott finished with 161 yards with a touchdown. Ezekiel Elliott compiled 109 total yards in the game.

Next week, the Buccaneers will finish their season at home against Atlanta.

The Cowboys will take a trip to New York to face the Giants for their season finale.