The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a setback in their playoff aspirations with a 26-24 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. The defeat ended the Bucs' four-game winning streak and left them tied with the Atlanta Falcons atop the NFC South with an 8-7 record.
The Cowboys, who were already eliminated from playoff contention before the game, secured their fourth win in five games after a five-game losing streak had jeopardized their postseason hopes.
Despite a strong performance by quarterback Baker Mayfield, who threw for 303 yards and two touchdowns, the Buccaneers were unable to overcome the Cowboys' resilient defense. Mayfield's late-game heroics were thwarted by a crucial turnover forced by the Cowboys' DaRon Bland, sealing the victory for Dallas.
The Cowboys' Cooper Rush and Brandon Aubrey played key roles in the win, with Rush throwing a touchdown pass and Aubrey kicking two 58-yard field goals among four successful attempts.
The Tampa Bay defense, which had been dominant during their winning streak, struggled to contain Rush and receiver CeeDee Lamb, who amassed 105 yards receiving despite battling a shoulder injury.
Despite the loss, the Buccaneers remain in contention for a playoff spot, but their fate now depends on results from their remaining two games and help from other teams in the NFC.
The Cowboys, on the other hand, will look to finish the season strong after being eliminated from playoff contention, with their next game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Both teams will aim to regroup and refocus as they head into the final stretch of the regular season, with the Buccaneers hosting the Carolina Panthers next Sunday and the Cowboys traveling to face the Eagles.
