It was earlier in the day that the Cowboys were eliminated. They’re not acting like a squad that has been eliminated.
Dallas led 23–14 going into halftime after dominating the first half and outscoring Tampa Bay 243–194.
CeeDee Lamb caught six receptions for 100 yards, and Cooper Rush passed for 226 yards. Lamb led the league with 135 receptions the previous season and now has 100.
Rush tossed a 10-yard touchdown throw to Jalen Tolbert and completed 18 of 24 attempts. With 1:45 remaining in the half, Ezekiel Elliott had a 1-yard run after a replay overturned an 11-yard touchdown to Lamb to a 10-yard reception, almost giving him another one.
Lamb returned a few plays after the Cowboys judged him doubtful to return, despite aggravating his shoulder injury on a 52-yard reception.
Dallas punted after a three-and-out on one drive and scored on five of its six.
The league’s best kicker, Brandon Aubrey of the Cowboys, had a 49-yarder and two 58-yard field goals.
Bucky Irving’s two-yard touchdown run was the Bucs’ first touchdown. Before a seven-play, 71-yard drive that culminated in an 11-yard touchdown catch by Jalen McMillan with 48 seconds remaining in the half, they were behind 20–7.
Mike Evans caught four catches for 59 yards, while Baker Mayfield completed 14 of 19 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown. In order to maintain his 1,000-yard streak, he must average 84 in these remaining three games.
Irving has 47 yards on eight carries.
Both Cowboys offensive lineman Matt Waletzko and Bucs safety Kaevon Merriweather are doubtful to return due to knee injuries.
