The Dallas Cowboys shut down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ NFC South title hopes on Sunday as their defense came up big when it mattered most.
The key Bucs offense came to a complete halt. In the fourth quarter, Baker Mayfield was intercepted by Jordan Lewis in the end zone. Then, as the Buccaneers tried to show some enthusiasm in the final seconds, running back Rachaad White was snatched away by DaRon Bland.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) and Wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) celebrates after Tolbert’s touchdown catch. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhirter)
Two turnovers in the fourth quarter helped Dallas solidify its victory at 26-24.
Cooper Rush was 26-of-35 passing for 292 yards and a touchdown to Jalen Tolbert. CeeDee Lamb had seven catches for 105 yards. But the story of this game was the defense.
Mayfield was sacked four times for interceptions and White’s fumbles. He passed for 304 yards and two touchdowns, but struggled to find a consistent rhythm.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (15) catches a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, December 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. Payne Durham (87) celebrates after the ball as he watches the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
Chauncey Golston, Micah Parsons, Donovan Wilson and Linval Joseph each had a sack.
The Cowboys managed just three points in the second half, but they were good enough to crush Tampa Bay’s hopes when it mattered most.
Dallas was eliminated from playoff contention before the game even began, but their determination was enough to make an NFC South win more difficult for Tampa Bay.
The Buccaneers are 8-7, trailing the Falcons despite having the same record. Atlanta beat Tampa Bay twice this season.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy watches the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, December 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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With two games left in the regular season, the Buccaneers’ schedule also includes the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints.
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