Buccaneers choose fourth-down attempt over field goal in win over Cowboys
Tampa Bay retained a 24-10 lead by going for a touchdown on fourth and goal, later holding off a Cowboys comeback to win the game.
With 8:36 left in the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay led Dallas 24-10 and faced a fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line. Coach Todd Bowles elected to attempt a touchdown rather than a field goal, a decision he said was based on the team's offensive rhythm and the desire to extend the lead to three scores. > "We talked about it, and with less than a yard, and the way we were running the football, we were trying to put the game away," Bowles told reporters after the game.
The Buccaneers' gamble fell short, giving Dallas a chance to rally. The Cowboys responded with a series that moved them into scoring position, but a turnover and a missed opportunity kept the deficit large. Tampa Bay ultimately secured the win after a defensive interception return for a touchdown by cornerback DaRon Bland and a key run by running back Bucky Irving.
The close finish highlighted concerns about the team's consistency as it heads into a stretch of games against the Steelers, Panthers, Falcons and Bears before a Week 10 bye. Analysts noted that a series of losses in that span could prompt the organization to reassess Bowles' position.