Cowboys Capitalize on Baker Mayfield’s Late Fumble to Seal Victory Against Bucs
In a chaotic play, Baker Mayfield managed to pitch the ball to Rachaad White, but the Cowboys quickly forced a turnover, securing the game with a decisive takeaway.
Cowboys Edge Bucs 26-24, Jeopardizing Tampa Bay's Playoff Hopes
ARLINGTON, Texas — Cooper Rush threw a touchdown pass, Brandon Aubrey nailed two 58-yard field goals among four total, and the Dallas Cowboys edged the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-24 on Sunday night. The loss left Baker Mayfield and the Bucs struggling to maintain control of their playoff destiny.
The defeat snapped a four-game winning streak for Tampa Bay (8-7), leaving them tied with Atlanta atop the NFC South. However, the Falcons hold the tiebreaker after sweeping the season series against the Bucs.
Although the Cowboys (7-8) were eliminated from playoff contention before kickoff, they secured their fourth win in five games after a five-game losing skid that derailed their postseason hopes.
In the final minutes, Mayfield, a Texas native playing close to home, nearly orchestrated a comeback. Trailing by nine points with three minutes remaining, he escaped a sack and shoveled the ball to Rachaad White. However, Dallas cornerback DaRon Bland ripped the ball from White’s grasp before he hit the ground, giving the Cowboys possession and allowing them to run out the clock.
Mayfield threw for two touchdowns, including a 13-yarder to Ryan Miller, narrowing the gap to two points with 2:36 left. Tampa Bay had one last chance with 1:50 remaining, but Bland's critical play sealed the game.
The performance marked Bland’s first forced turnover of the season after setting an NFL record last year with five pick-sixes.
Tampa Bay’s defense, which had allowed an NFL-low 15 points per game during their winning streak, struggled early as Dallas capitalized with Rush and receiver CeeDee Lamb. Lamb recorded his second consecutive 100-yard first half, finishing with 105 yards. Despite dealing with a lingering shoulder injury, Lamb set up Ezekiel Elliott’s 1-yard touchdown run with a hard-fought reception inside the 1-yard line for a 20-7 lead.
Mayfield quickly responded with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jalen McMillan late in the first half, cutting the deficit to 23-14 after Aubrey’s second 58-yard field goal as time expired.
Key Stats and Records
Brandon Aubrey set an NFL record with 14 field goals of at least 50 yards this season.
Lamb recorded back-to-back 100-yard first halves, showcasing his resilience despite injury.
Injuries
Tampa Bay WR Sterling Shepard left the game with a hamstring injury.
Dallas LB Eric Kendricks was inactive due to a calf injury.
Up Next
Buccaneers: Host Carolina next Sunday.
Cowboys: Travel to Philadelphia next Sunday.
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