Cowboys defeat Bucs despite mental mistakes, 26-20

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night 26-20, despite having to overcome several of their own mental mistakes.

Following a win by the now 10-4 New York Giants earlier in the day, the pressure was on the 11-2 Dallas Cowboys to try and maintain their two-game lead in the NFC East as they were scheduled to play the 8-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. Compounding that pressure was the fact the Giants hold the tie breaker over the Cowboys within the division, having beat Dallas in their previous two meetings this season.

Fortunately for fans of America’s Team, the Cowboys were able to squeeze out a close victory over the surging Buccaneers, 26-20. And by doing so, they maintain their two-game lead over the Giants with only two weeks left in the regular season. Another victory by Dallas or a loss by New York will result in the Cowboys winning the NFC East, getting a first round bye in the playoffs and locking down home field advantage through the postseason.

But in order to get the victory over Tampa Bay, the Cowboys had to overcome several of their own mental mistakes. Penalties on both sides of the ball cost Dallas dearly. The Cowboys committed eight in total, costing them 91 yards and a Lance Dunbar touchdown reception. All-Pro receiver Dez Bryant also dropped a pass in the end zone, robbing Dallas of another possible score.

Fumbles were also an issue as tight end Jason Witten and running back Ezekiel Elliott were both credited with one each in the game. But mistakes were made in all three phases of the Cowboys game, including special teams. Normally steady kicker Dan Bailey missed two field goals in the contest as well.

Despite all of those errors, Dallas still found a way to win the game. And that was mainly due to the stellar play of their two talented offensive rookies and a defensive standout.

First-year quarterback Dak Prescott once again silenced his doubters. The 23-year was only the second quarterback in NFL history to complete 88% or more of his passes when attempting 30+ throws. Dak went 32 of 36 for 280 passing yards in the contest. He also had a rushing touchdown, his sixth on the year.

Elliott continued his dominance on the ground, rushing for 159 yards and a score on 23 carries. So far this season, he’s rushed for a total of 1,551 yards in 14 games.

Defensively, second-year defensive end David Irving took over in the fourth quarter against Tampa Bay. Irving would finish the contest registering two tackles and 2.0 sacks, but it was his constant pressure on Buccaneers’ quarterback Jameis Winston that really sealed the game in the final two drives.

Dallas linebacker Sean Lee once again led the team in total tackles with 10. Second-year free safety Byron Jones recorded the first interception of his career during a long bomb attempt at the end of the first half. Safety Jeff Heath and cornerback Orlando Scandrick also registered interceptions. And defensive tackles Maliek Collins and Terrell McClain both had a sack and a forced fumble each.

The now 12-2 Dallas Cowboys will remain home this week as they prepare to take on the 9-5 Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium on Monday Night Football, December 26th at 7:30pm CT.