A Decisive Third Quarter
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured their first victory of the season with a 24-16 win over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The game was defined by a massive third-quarter output from Tampa Bay that shifted the momentum entirely in their favor.
After trailing 10-7 at halftime, the Buccaneers scored 17 points in the third period. This surge included two rushing touchdowns and a field goal, creating a gap the Cowboys could not overcome despite a late effort.
Scoring Breakdown
Dallas took an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter when Javonte Williams scored on a 1-yard rush, with Brandon Aubrey handling the extra point. The Buccaneers responded before halftime to tie the game at 7. Quarterback Jalon Daniels connected with Bucky Irving on a 5-yard pass for the touchdown, followed by Chase McLaughlin’s kick.
Just before the break, Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey drilled a 41-yard field goal to give Dallas a 10-7 advantage entering halftime.
The third quarter changed everything. Emeka Egbuka scored on a 14-yard run, putting Tampa Bay ahead 14-10. Bucky Irving added his own rushing score on a 1-yard run, extending the lead to 21-10. Chase McLaughlin added a 41-yard field goal, making it 24-10.
Dallas attempted a late rally in the fourth quarter. Dak Prescott threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to George Pickens. However, the Cowboys failed on their two-point conversion attempt, leaving the final score at 24-16.