Bucky Irving posted a career-high 165 rushing yards, highlighted by a 72-yard sprint that set up the go-ahead score, and found the end zone twice as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 24-16 on Thursday night, securing their first victory of the campaign.
Jalon Daniels, making just his second start, managed a turnover-free offense while connecting on a first-half touchdown pass to Irving, capitalizing on multiple Dallas errors.
Completing 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards, Daniels is serving as a replacement for Baker Mayfield, who is anticipated to miss at least one additional game recovering from a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand.
Irving handled the ball 21 times for a 7.9-yard average and added scoring receptions on a five-yard catch and a one-yard dive as the Buccaneers (1-4) finally seized momentum following a preseason outlook that projected an NFC South title.
Dak Prescott orchestrated a 99-yard drive and dropped a 13-yard touchdown strike to George Pickens in the fourth quarter, yet his second interception, deflected off a tipped pass, allowed Tampa Bay to close out the contest in the closing two minutes.
The Cowboys (2-3) sustained another fluctuating start to the year, with an offense displaying sloppiness that has marred the defense throughout Brian Schottenheimer’s two years as head coach.
Irving found a seam for a 72-yard burst on the opening play of the second half, setting the stage for Emeka Egbuka’s 14-yard touchdown run on a jet sweep that handed Tampa Bay a lead they would not relinquish.
Prescott followed with his first turnover of the night, and the Dallas secondary left Tez Johnson uncovered for a 64-yard grab that enabled Irving’s one-yard plunge, pushing the Buccaneers ahead 21-10.
A KaVontae Turpin fumble on the subsequent kickoff yielded a Tampa Bay field goal, extending the drive after Daniels converted third-and-21 with a 21-yard pass to Egbuka from the Dallas 48-yard line.
Dallas was also missing one of their recent defensive additions, with cornerback Joey Porter Jr withdrawn late before what would have been his second game following the trade from Pittsburgh.
Prescott finished 24 of 42 for 316 yards but committed two interceptions, marking his first turnover-prone performance of the season after a scoreless opener.
Also Read
- Can Brock Purdy and Kyle Shanahan Crack Mike Macdonald’s Defensive Code?
- Mohit Sharma Credits MS Dhoni’s Situational Awareness for His Cricketing Success
- 3 Takeaways From Mammoth’s 6-1 Loss to Bruins
- UCLA won’t face Oregon QB Dante Moore as recovery continues from scary collision with USC linebacker