Don’t Be Fooled by the 26-24 Score: The Buccaneers Were Outplayed by the Cowboys on All Fronts
The final score of 26-24 doesn’t reflect the true disparity between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys. The game wasn’t nearly as close as it seems. The Bucs were dominated in every aspect, and both offensive coordinator Dave Coen and head coach Todd Bowles bear responsibility for this disappointing loss.
Bowles’ Defense Fails to Deliver
Todd Bowles’ defense proved to be a major weakness. Despite facing Cooper Rush, the Cowboys’ backup quarterback, the Bucs’ defense had no answer. Rush carved through the defense with ease, benefitting from a lack of pressure and allowing him to find open targets at will. Once again, the pass rush was virtually nonexistent, and the secondary faltered—especially Lavonte David, who had one of his worst performances of the season. David missed key tackles, struggled in coverage, and was outplayed by his counterparts Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean, who also failed to make an impact. Meanwhile, the defensive line showed little push, failing to disrupt the Cowboys’ offensive flow.
The frustration was compounded by the fact that the Cowboys were missing key players. With Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb sidelined for the second half, Bowles’ defense had the perfect opportunity to dominate. Instead, they allowed Rush to control the game, allowing big plays and a 70-yard field goal from kicker Brandon Aubrey.
Coen’s Offensive Struggles
Offensively, Dave Coen’s playcalling was similarly uninspired. Aside from Luke Goedeke, the offensive line struggled to contain the Cowboys’ pass rush, leaving Baker Mayfield under constant pressure. Mayfield took multiple sacks that could have been avoided with quicker throws or better-designed screens. The receivers were unable to gain separation, and the offense lacked creativity, especially outside of their limited success during two-minute drills.
Despite the offensive struggles, there were some bright moments. Running back Bucky Irving put forth a solid performance, and defensive tackle Vita Vea made key stops. Goedeke was a rare bright spot on the offensive line. However, these individual performances couldn’t compensate for the larger systemic issues plaguing both the offense and defense.
Lavonte David’s Decline and Defensive Collapse
Lavonte David’s performance in this game was especially troubling. He missed multiple key tackles, and his coverage was ineffective. It was clear that he wasn’t in sync, and his energy seemed off. Meanwhile, cornerbacks Dean and McCollum struggled to stay with Dallas’ receivers, underscoring the defensive unit's overall collapse. The pass rush failed to apply any real pressure, giving Rush all the time he needed to make plays.
The defensive line’s inability to generate pressure allowed the Cowboys to continue moving the ball freely, even without their star players.
Offensive Misses, Despite Opportunities
While the defense faltered, the offense had several chances to close the gap. However, Coen’s failure to adjust to the circumstances was glaring. When the defense was able to stop the Cowboys, the offense couldn’t capitalize. Mayfield struggled to find any rhythm, and even when not under pressure, the passing game remained ineffective. Coen’s inability to extract the best from his offense when it mattered most was evident.
Frustrating Loss to a Depleted Cowboys Team
The loss was even more frustrating because the Cowboys weren’t at full strength. With Prescott and Lamb out in the second half, Dallas was playing for pride rather than playoff contention. Still, they managed to outplay the Bucs, with Rush taking deep shots and Aubrey hitting long field goals. Tampa Bay’s defense couldn’t stop a backup quarterback, and the offense failed to capitalize on Dallas’ weakened roster. For a team fighting for a playoff spot, it was an embarrassing defeat.
Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy
This loss places the Buccaneers' playoff hopes on life support. To stay alive, they must win their remaining games and hope that the Washington Commanders or Carolina Panthers can help by defeating the Atlanta Falcons. Even if the Bucs win out, their chances of competing in the postseason are in serious doubt. To have any hope of a postseason run, they must fix the glaring issues plaguing both the offense and defense.
Ultimately, both Coen and Bowles failed to execute when it mattered most. The offense lacked consistency and creativity, while the defense failed to make critical stops. This was a disheartening performance for a team that should be battling for a playoff spot, not relying on outside help to keep their postseason dreams alive.
