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A Big Upset In The Big D: 3 Takeaways From Cowboys' Stunning Loss To Buccaneers

The Dallas Cowboys, a team expected to dominate as 9.5-point favorites, suffered a stunning 24-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium, marking their first defeat of the season. The upset came despite Dallas averaging 30 points per game entering the matchup, with the Cowboys' offense struggling to capitalize on opportunities, managing just three points across seven drives after an opening touchdown.

Quarterback Dak Prescott faced heavy criticism, completing only 24 of 42 passes for 316 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions, while his receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens were stifled by Buccaneers cornerbacks Zyon McCollum and Jacob Parrish, limiting them to a combined 72 yards on 13 targets through three quarters. The Cowboys' defense, already ranked near the bottom of the NFL in nearly every category, was exploited for 241 rushing yards, with Bucky Irving’s 72-yard run standing out as a key play.

The loss drops Dallas to 2-3 on the season and raises questions about their offensive and defensive performance moving forward, especially with concerns about their pass rush and secondary depth, highlighted by the late-scratch of cornerback Joey Porter Jr. due to illness.

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