The Dallas Cowboys ended the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' hopes of winning the NFC South title Sunday thanks to some clutch defensive play when it mattered most.
A key Buccaneers drive was stopped in its tracks. In the fourth quarter, Baker Mayfield was intercepted in the end zone by Jordan Lewis. Later, running back Rashard White was seen getting stripped by Daron Brand as the Buccaneers tried to regain some last-minute momentum.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) celebrates after Tolbert's touchdown catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, December 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. ) and wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1 year old). (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Two turnovers in the fourth quarter sealed a 26-24 victory for Dallas.
Cooper Rush completed 26 of 35 for 292 passing yards and one touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert. CeeDee Lamb had seven catches for 105 yards. However, the key point of the game was defense.
Mayfield was sacked four times along with an interception and a fumble by White. He passed for 304 yards and two touchdowns, but struggled to find a consistent rhythm.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan as Payne Durham, 87, looks on during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. A player (15 years old) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
Chaucey Gholston, Micah Parsons, Donovan Wilson and Linval Joseph each had a sack.
The Cowboys were held to just three points in the second half, but did enough to end Tampa Bay's hopes when it mattered most.
Dallas was eliminated from playoff contention before the game even started, but their determination was enough to make it even harder for Tampa Bay to win the NFC South.
The Buccaneers lost 8 wins, 7 losses, and are behind the Falcons despite having the same record. Atlanta defeated Tampa Bay twice this season.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy watches during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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With two games left in the regular season, the Buccaneers still have the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints on their schedule.
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