The Dallas Cowboys thwarted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFC South Division title hopes on Sunday thanks to the defense’s strong attack when it mattered most.
The Crucial Buccaneers’ advances were abruptly halted. In the fourth quarter Baker Mayfield was intercepted in the end zone by Jourdan Lewis. Then, as the Buccaneers tried to muster some last-minute momentum, they saw running back Rachaad White get stripped by DaRon Bland.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) and wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) celebrate after Tolbert’s touchdown catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, December 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
The two turnovers in the fourth quarter helped Dallas to a 26-24 win.
Cooper Rush was 26 of 35 with 292 passing yards and a touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert. CeeDee Lamb had seven catches for 105 yards. But the story of the game was the defense.
Mayfield was sacked four times for White’s interception and fumble. He had 304 yards and two touchdown passes but struggled to find a consistent rhythm.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (15) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass as Payne Durham (87) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday, December 22 2024, watching. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
Chauncey Golston, Micah Parsons, Donovan Wilson and Linval Joseph each had a sack.
The Cowboys were held to just three points in the second half, but were enough to dash Tampa Bay’s hopes when it mattered most.
Dallas was eliminated from the playoffs before the game began, but was determined enough to make it harder for Tampa Bay to win the NFC South.
The Buccaneers fell to 8-7 and trail the Falcons despite having the same record. Atlanta beat Tampa Bay twice this season.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy watches the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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With two games left in the regular season, the Buccaneers still have the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints on their schedule. The Cowboys could help the Buccaneers with a win over the Falcons next week.
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