Hours after Dallas was eradicated from making the NFL’s postseason Sunday, it nonetheless affected the playoff race throughout the NFC.
The Cowboys beat Tampa Bay 26-24 on “Sunday Night Football” to win for a fourth time of their final 5 video games after DaRon Bland stripped Buccaneers operating again Rachaad White for a fumble with 1:40 left within the fourth quarter, ending Tampa’s doubtlessly go-ahead drive on its first play.
The loss received’t prolong the season for the Cowboys (7-8) after Washington’s victory over Philadelphia earlier Sunday mathematically eradicated Dallas’ already slim playoff odds. Yet the Cowboys confirmed no letdown, main 10-0 inside the first quarter, and 23-14 at halftime.
“SNF” blog: Look back at how the game unfolded
With as little as three minutes left in regulation, the Cowboys nonetheless held a nine-point lead, but Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield led a fast landing drive to drag inside 26-24, and Dallas adopted with a meek drive that ended with a fast punt, giving the Buccaneers the ball again with 1:40 to go.
Enter Bland.
After Mayfield prolonged the play by avoiding being tackled, he tossed the ball to his operating again, White, who was falling to the turf when the Cowboys’ defensive again ripped the ball away whereas making a deal with. A shocked Mayfield watched a replay on the scoreboard, his mouth agape and palms turned upward, however the Cowboys ran out the clock on the win, regardless of having scored solely three factors within the second half.
Playing at house had been a recipe for catastrophe this season for the Cowboys. They now enhance to 2-6 at AT&T Stadium.
With the loss, Tampa Bay (8-7) is not in first place within the NFC South. In the NFL, division winners earn automated berths within the playoffs, and now Atlanta leads the division. The Falcons have overwhelmed Tampa twice and thus maintain the tiebreaker ought to they end the season in two weeks tied within the standings. Had Tampa Bay received this week, its odds of constructing the playoffs would have improved to 94%, in accordance with NFL.com; the loss drops that likelihood to 67% with two video games left.
Even although its playoff destiny was sealed earlier Sunday, Dallas additionally was enjoying for vital stakes. Coach Mike McCarthy’s contract ends after this season, and the workforce possession has mentioned it’s evaluating his total physique of labor earlier than it decides whether or not he’ll return in 2025. Since they fell to 3-7 after 5 consecutive losses, the Cowboys have discovered life regardless of the season-ending damage to beginning quarterback Dak Prescott.
Mayfield threw for 303 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, however he was sacked 4 occasions and was below relentless stress for a lot of the second half, forcing him to evade onrushing defenders. Cooper Rush threw for 292 yards and a landing within the Cowboys’ win. Of his 292 yards, 105 went to star wideout CeeDee Lamb, who caught seven passes.
While Bland’s compelled fumble protected the win, kicker Brandon Aubrey was an unsung Cowboys hero, making all 4 of his field-goal makes an attempt, together with two from 58 yards and one other from 53.
Around the league
- Despite being down 13 factors initially of the fourth quarter, the Washington Commanders got here again and defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 36-33. Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels completed with 5 touchdowns, none extra essential than Jamison Crowder’s seize within the remaining seconds to safe the victory. The Commanders improved to 10-5, tied for the franchise’s most wins in a season since 1992. Philadelphia (12-3), beforehand on a 10-game profitable streak, performed a lot of the sport with out beginning quarterback Jalen Hurts, who sustained a concussion late within the first quarter.
- Speaking of comebacks, the Buffalo Bills overcame a 14-point first-half deficit to beat the New England Patriots 24-21. Quarterback Josh Allen, an MVP candidate, had a lackluster sport by his requirements, however operating again James Cook stepped up with two touchdowns, one speeding and one receiving. The win prevented the Kansas City Chiefs from locking up the No. 1 seed within the AFC postseason.
- Colts operating again Jonathan Taylor was criticized final week for fumbling on the aim line (upsetting many fantasy soccer house owners), however he bounced again with the best individual performance of the weekend. Taylor rushed for 218 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries in a 38-30 win in opposition to the Tennessee Titans. Per NFL.com, the Colts entered Sunday’s sport with a 1% probability of constructing the playoffs with a loss however a 15% probability of constructing the postseason with a win.
