On December 23, 2024, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26–24 at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys remain playoff hopefuls after going winless, but they have achieved four wins in the past five matches.
Standout Performance By Cooper Rush / Cowboys V Buccaneers
The Cowboys’ offense was led by quarterback Cooper Rush, who put together a strong showing, completing 25 of 33 for 292 yards and one touchdown, not turning the ball over for a second straight week. His pass efficiency was a key in the Cowboys’ early lead, and it kept the offense moving down the field. #Cowboys V Buccaneers
Ezekiel Elliott’s Milestone
Running back Ezekiel Elliott added, scoring his 71st rushing touchdown as a Cowboy. This, in addition to Rush’s aerial arm, helped boost the ground game of the Cowboys.
In that, I thought Brandon Aubrey’s Perfect Kicking had some incredible potential.
Kicker Brandon Aubrey was perfect, making all four of his field goal attempts including a 58 yarder that was huge. Essential points that kept the Cowboys up all the way were his reliability. #Cowboys V Buccaneers
Defensive Prowess
Micah Parsons and the rest of the Cowboys’ defense, in particular, maintained a hard-charging intensity, dredging up multiple sacks and critical turnovers from a porous Buccaneers’ offensive line and struggling quarterback Baker Mayfield. Cornerback DaRon Bland pushed a pivotal moment in the fourth quarter when he forced a fumble from running back Rachaad White that led to the victory for Dallas.
Bucs Playoff Implications
The Bucs (8–7), who saw their sole possession of the NFC South lead tied up with the Jets’ win earlier Sunday, fell to 8–7 with the loss. The win means they are now tied with the Atlanta Falcons, who still hold a tiebreaker to the Eagles thanks to a season sweep. The loss drops the Buccaneers out of the current playoff tier, and now their remaining games against the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints take on extreme significance.
Looking Ahead
Now at 7-8, the Cowboys are trying to end with a winning record. Their heroics against the Seattle Seahawks last weekend, when they picked themselves up after trailing by three touchdowns late in the third quarter, gives them the chance to finish the season on a high note, beginning with their Monday night matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.