ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-16 on Thursday night at AT&T Stadium, as costly turnovers and offensive struggles prevented Dallas from completing a late comeback.
Dallas showed early promise but struggled to maintain momentum as Tampa Bay adjusted defensively and applied consistent pressure. The loss dropped the Cowboys to 2-3 on the season and left the team searching for greater consistency.
Quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 316 yards and a touchdown but committed three turnovers. Reflecting on the offensive struggles, Prescott acknowledged the Buccaneers’ defensive game plan and Dallas’ inability to respond effectively.
“They did a great job of just scheming us up, coming at us,” Prescott said. “We didn’t execute our answer for it the way that we wanted to.”
Wide receiver George Pickens provided a bright spot, finishing with nine receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown. Prescott connected with Pickens for a fourth-quarter score, giving Dallas an opportunity to close the gap, but the Cowboys couldn’t complete the comeback.
Tampa Bay found success behind running back Bucky Irving, who rushed for 165 yards and a touchdown while adding a receiving score. The Buccaneers capitalized on Dallas’ mistakes and controlled key stretches of the second half.
A late interception ended the Cowboys’ hopes of another scoring drive, sealing a frustrating defeat at home. Prescott said the team must take responsibility and improve its execution moving forward.
“We’ve got to come out in the games and execute better and get it done,” Prescott said.
Dallas now turns its attention to the Green Bay Packers. The Cowboys will look to correct their mistakes, protect the football and deliver a stronger all-around performance in their next matchup.
