BucsGameday analyzes the standout performers and those who struggled in the Bucs' 26-24 loss to the Cowboys.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered Dallas on Sunday Night Football in desperate need of a win, but fell short, losing 26-24 to the Cowboys. The victory was crucial for maintaining their lead over the Atlanta Falcons, who defeated the Giants earlier in the day. Now, the two teams are tied for first place in the NFC South, with Atlanta holding the tiebreaker after sweeping the Bucs in the regular season.
As a result, the Bucs find themselves needing some help to secure their fourth consecutive NFC South title. Tampa Bay's remaining games are against the Panthers and Saints, while Atlanta faces the Commanders and Panthers. There's still a path to the playoffs, even if the Bucs don't win the division, but it will require a lot of luck and for Tampa Bay to win out. Here’s a look at who stood out and who struggled in the Bucs' tough loss to the Cowboys.
3 Up
RB Bucky Irving
It didn’t take long for rookie running back Bucky Irving to make an impact. He picked up 28 yards on his first few carries, including a 15-yard gain, before powering into the end zone for a two-yard touchdown—Tampa Bay’s first points of the day. Irving finished with a solid 68 rushing yards, adding another 40 yards throughout the game.
Two-Minute Offense
The Bucs' offense was sharp as they executed a methodical two-minute drill at the end of the first half. Baker Mayfield delivered a clinic, connecting with Mike Evans and Sterling Shepard for key gains before capping off the drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jalen McMillan. Offensive coordinator Liam Coen called an excellent sequence, and the players executed it perfectly.
Run Defense
While the Cowboys' passing game was firing on all cylinders, their run game struggled to gain any traction. Dallas made several attempts to establish the run, but the Bucs' defense was too stout, limiting them to just 28 yards on 17 carries. Tampa Bay's defensive front was relentless in shutting down the ground attack.
3 Down
LG Ben Bredeson
Ben Bredeson struggled throughout the game, starting with a costly holding penalty on the first drive. The penalty wiped out a seven-yard scramble by Baker Mayfield that would have given the Bucs a fresh set of downs. While Tampa Bay still managed to convert, the penalty slowed the momentum and eventually led to a turnover on downs. Bredeson also struggled with consistent pressure throughout the night, allowing defenders to disrupt the pocket.
WR Sterling Shepard
Sterling Shepard had a rough outing, beginning with a crucial drop on the opening drive. On 4th & 3, he failed to secure a catch that would have converted for a first down. Shepard had another missed opportunity on the Bucs' second drive, dropping a pass on 3rd & 4 that could have kept the chains moving. While he made a solid 20-yard reception later, he injured his hamstring on the play and was forced to leave the game.
CB Zyon McCollum
Zyon McCollum had a tough night, allowing a 52-yard catch-and-run to CeeDee Lamb in the final minutes of the first half, setting up a Cowboys score before halftime. McCollum was also flagged for holding on the play. His performance was inconsistent throughout, and like many others, he struggled with his tackling.
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