In the ugliest NFL game this week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 10-6 thanks to a fourth quarter comeback. The Cowboys are now 2-7 and have lost seven straight games. The Bucs improve to 4-5 with the win. Here's
Notes:
The Cowboys have leaned heavily on their running game all season long, but it disappeared against the Bucs. The Cowboys picked up 42 yards on 21 carries and didn't have a run longer than 7 yards.
The Bucs' ground game wasn't all-world, but it was better than Dallas'. Tampa Bay racked up 81 yards and the game-winning TD on 25 carries.
The Cowboys' offense continued to be among the league's worst without Romo. The Cowboys picked up just 216 yards against Tampa Bay, a team that was allowing 349 per game.
Dez Bryant seemed to give up on the Cowboys' final offensive play of the game. Matt Cassel took a shot deep, and it was picked off. Bryant was shoved from behind slightly, expected a flag to be called and didn't give 100 percent effort on the play.
The Bucs lost the turnover battle, but still won the game. QB Jameis Winston threw two picks, but did score the game-winning TD. It wasn't exactly pretty, but a win is a win.
Quotes:
"The touchdown was magical. Had a great fake, a great call, found the way into the end zone. The play before that I have no recollection." - Winston.
"We're not the same old Bucs. We are trending this direction. I'm just anxious to see what we can do the second half of the season." - Tampa Bay head coach Lovie Smith.
"I felt they were going to call it. They didn't. It's unfortunate. I'm not going to sit here and make a ton of excuses. I know the standard that I have for myself." - Dez Bryant Cowboys' last offensive play. Bryant gave up on the play after he thought he was shoved from behind.
"Ultimately, you have to do what's necessary to win the game. You have to make the stops and make the plays. We all know that." - Dallas head coach Jason Garrett.
Observations:
The Cowboys desperately needed a win without Romo and they failed to get one. The Bucs were the best chance, but now Dallas needs a miracle when Romo returns. Some of the blame falls on Garrett, who really should be on the hot seat.
Don't look now, but it's okay for Bucs fans to entertain playoff thoughts. Tampa is 4-5, with three wins in their last five games. It's still a long shot, but the Bucs are at least providing hope.
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