Cowboys vs. Buccaneers 2024/ Baker Mayfield Tampa Bay/ Brandon Aubrey NFL record/ NFC South playoff race/ ARLINGTON/ Texas/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-24, derailing Tampa Bay’s control of their playoff destiny. Cooper Rush led Dallas with a touchdown pass, Brandon Aubrey set an NFL record for 50+ yard field goals in a season, and a late defensive stand secured the win. The Buccaneers now share the NFC South lead with Atlanta but lose the tiebreaker.
Cowboys Defeat Buccaneers: Quick Look
Key Highlights
- Final Score: Cowboys 26, Buccaneers 24.
- Dallas Standouts: Cooper Rush (292 passing yards, 1 TD), Brandon Aubrey (4 field goals, two from 58 yards).
- Playoff Implications: Tampa Bay (8-7) now tied with Atlanta in NFC South but loses tiebreaker.
Cowboys Edge Buccaneers 26-24, Tampa Bay Loses Playoff Control
Deep Look
Cowboys Edge Buccaneers to Secure 26-24 Victory
Baker Mayfield returned to Texas hoping to keep the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ playoff hopes intact, but the Dallas Cowboys had other plans. Despite already being eliminated from postseason contention, Dallas fought hard, with Cooper Rush and Brandon Aubrey leading the charge to secure a 26-24 win.
“We had our chances,” Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said. “Now we’ve got to take care of us and let everything else take care of itself.”
Cowboys Shine Despite Elimination
The Cowboys (7-8) showcased their recent resurgence, winning four of their last five games. Though officially out of the playoffs before kickoff due to a Washington win, head coach Mike McCarthy motivated his players to stay focused.
“We’ve been playing really dang good football these past weeks,” McCarthy said. “Let’s grind this thing out.”
Cooper Rush threw for 292 yards and a touchdown, while receiver CeeDee Lamb posted 105 yards despite battling a shoulder injury. Brandon Aubrey, meanwhile, nailed four field goals, including two from 58 yards, setting an NFL record for 50+ yard field goals in a season.
Late Turnover Seals Tampa Bay’s Fate
Baker Mayfield had a chance to orchestrate a late comeback after pulling Tampa Bay within two points with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Miller. However, DaRon Bland stripped the ball from Rachaad White on the next possession, sealing the Cowboys’ victory.
“It’s all about the ball, and they did good taking it away,” Mayfield said.
Mayfield finished with 303 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one costly turnover.
Key Moments
- Defensive Standoff: Jourdan Lewis intercepted Mayfield at the Cowboys’ goal line in the fourth quarter, stopping a Tampa Bay drive that could have shifted the game’s momentum.
- Explosive First Half: Lamb’s highlight play came on a 52-yard reception, setting up Ezekiel Elliott’s 1-yard touchdown for a 20-7 Dallas lead.
- Bucs Fight Back: Mayfield’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Jalen McMillan in the final minute of the first half kept Tampa Bay in the game.
Brandon Aubrey’s Historic Kicking
Brandon Aubrey’s three field goals of at least 50 yards brought his season total to 14, an NFL record. With Houston’s Ka’imi Fairbairn at 13, the record remains contested with two games remaining.
What’s Next for Tampa Bay?
The Buccaneers now face an uphill battle. Tied with Atlanta in the NFC South, they must win their final two games and hope the Falcons falter.
“We’ve got to eat this one,” Bowles said. “Then focus on what’s ahead.”
Takeaways
Dallas Cowboys
- Bright Spots: The Cowboys continue to build momentum despite missing the playoffs.
- Resilient Defense: Key turnovers by Jourdan Lewis and DaRon Bland highlighted a strong defensive showing.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Lost Control: The Bucs no longer control their playoff destiny.
- Mayfield’s Struggles: While Mayfield had bright moments, costly mistakes hampered Tampa Bay’s chances.
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