Cowboys make decisive defensive plays to thwart Bucs and claim victory

The Dallas Cowboys threw a wrench into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' NFC South division title hopes Sunday thanks to decisive plays on defense when it mattered most.

The Buccaneers' crucial drives were stopped dead in its tracks. In the fourth quarter, Baker Mayfield was intercepted in the end zone by Jourdan Lewis. Then, as the Buccaneers tried to end their last-minute enthusiasm, running back Rachaad White was stripped by DaRon Bland.

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) and wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) celebrate after Tolbert's touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday December 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)

The two turnovers in the fourth quarter helped Dallas consolidate a 26-24 victory.

Cooper Rush finished 26 of 35 with 292 passing yards and a touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert. CeeDee Lamb had seven catches for 105 yards. But the story of the game was the defense.

Mayfield was sacked four times to go along with White's interception and fumble. He totaled 304 passing yards and two touchdown passes, but struggled to find a consistent rhythm.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (15) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass as Payne Durham (87) looks on in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Jérôme Miron)

Chauncey Golston, Micah Parsons, Donovan Wilson and Linval Joseph were each fired.

The Cowboys were held to just three points in the second half, but did enough to dash Tampa Bay's hopes when it mattered most.

Dallas was eliminated from the playoffs before the game started, but they were determined enough to make it tougher for Tampa Bay to win the NFC South.

The Buccaneers fell to 8-7 and are behind the Falcons despite having the same record. Atlanta has beaten Tampa Bay twice this season.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy watches play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortés)

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With two games remaining in the regular season, the Buccaneers still have the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints on the schedule. The Cowboys could help the Buccaneers with a win against the Falcons next week.

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