ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 22: Ryan Flournoy #80 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Dallas knocked Tampa Bay off track Sunday with a close 26-24 win, ending their winning streak and putting their playoff hopes in doubt. The loss now puts the Bucs even with Atlanta, both sitting at 8-7 in a tight NFC South race.
The Cowboys' kicker Brandon Aubrey made his mark, nailing four field goals - including two massive 58-yard kicks. His 14 field goals from over 50 yards this season breaks an NFL record.
"We lost, we fell back in the pack," said coach Todd Bowles. "We've got to eat it, can't spend too much time on it. We had our chances."
Baker Mayfield put up solid numbers with 303 yards and two touchdowns. His precise 13-yard throw to Ryan Miller brought the Bucs within two points with 2:36 left.
But Tampa's last drive ended when DaRon Bland forced a fumble from Rachaad White with under two minutes to go. Dallas then held onto the ball, locking up their win.
CeeDee Lamb burned Tampa's defense again, grabbing 105 yards before the half. Dallas now holds an impressive 17 wins in 23 games against the Bucs - showing their long-running success in this matchup.
"I've said it all along, this group will not quit," Mayfield said. "That's the standard that we try to set. It'd be nice to not have to be in that situation, if we'd take care of business earlier in the game."
Mayfield's play-action game has been strong this year - his 1,063 yards put him seventh among NFL quarterbacks. Even Dallas's shaky defense, ranked 31st in yards per play, couldn't stop his passing attack.
The Bucs head home to face Carolina next week. Meanwhile, Dallas hits the road for a big game in Philadelphia. Both teams know these final matchups could decide their playoff fate.
