The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats highlight an epic Sunday Night Football showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats. This primetime battle in Week 16 showcased high-stakes football, with the Buccaneers fighting for playoff positioning and the Cowboys playing spoiler in front of a roaring home crowd.
In the Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats reverse spotlight, key storylines emerged around Baker Mayfield’s homecoming to Texas, potential injuries impacting lineups, and standout performances from receivers and kickers that defined the game’s clutch moments.
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🏟️ Key Players and Teams Who Took the Field
This regular season Week 16 matchup was a crucial NFC contest with playoff implications for the Buccaneers.
What Was the Event? Regular season game, Week 16 of the NFL season.
Where Was the Match Held? AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
When Did It Take Place? Sunday, December 22, 2025, at 8:20 p.m. ET (Sunday Night Football).
Why Was the Match Significant? The Buccaneers were battling to maintain control of their playoff fate in the NFC South, while the Cowboys aimed to play spoiler despite being eliminated from postseason contention.
How Did It Unfold Generally? A close, field goal-heavy game where the Cowboys edged out a late victory, denying the Buccaneers a chance to secure their destiny solely in their hands.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats reveal a hard-fought battle dominated by kicking and late defensive plays.
Teams and Key Players
| Team | Key Players | Notable Stats/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Baker Mayfield (QB), Rachaad White (RB), Mike Evans (WR), Ryan Miller (WR) | Mayfield: 303 passing yards, 2 TDs; White: Key fumble late |
| Dallas Cowboys | Cooper Rush (QB), CeeDee Lamb (WR), Brandon Aubrey (K), DaRon Bland (CB) | Rush: 1 TD pass; Aubrey: Multiple long FGs; Bland: Game-sealing forced fumble |
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Type | NFL Regular Season, Week 16 |
| Location | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas |
| Date/Time | December 22, 2025, 8:20 p.m. ET |
| Significance | Playoff implications for Buccaneers |
| General Recap | Cowboys win 26-24 on late turnover |
Limited detailed quarter scores available, but the game featured early struggles for the Bucs defense and late rallies.
| Quarter | Buccaneers | Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | – |
| 2 | – | – |
| 3 | – | – |
| 4 | – | – |
| Final | 24 | 26 |
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Moments | Late TD to Ryan Miller; Bland forced fumble |
| Momentum Shifts | Cowboys overcame early deficits with FGs |
| Injuries/Substitutions | Sterling Shepard (hamstring, out second half); Eric Kendricks inactive (calf) |
| Strategies | Cowboys relied on kicking game; Bucs air attack |
| Extra Insights | Indoor stadium, no weather impact; High-energy crowd |
Detailed quarter breakdowns show a competitive game with kicking dominance.
Quarter 1 Key Moments: Cowboys established early pressure on Mayfield. Shifts in Momentum: Dallas controlled possession initially. Player Substitutions/Injuries: None major early. Notable Strategies: Cowboys conservative with Rush at QB. Extra Insights: Strong defensive start for Dallas.
Quarter 2 Key Moments: Aubrey’s long field goals kept Cowboys ahead. Shifts in Momentum: Bucs struggled to slow Lamb. Player Substitutions/Injuries: Shepard injury impacted Bucs receiving. Notable Strategies: Heavy reliance on field goals. Extra Insights: Tempo favored Cowboys’ methodical drives.
Quarter 3 Key Moments: Continued kicking duel. Shifts in Momentum: Bucs mounted comeback attempts. Player Substitutions/Injuries: Adjustments for injuries. Notable Strategies: Bucs pushed passing game. Extra Insights: Crowd energy boosted home team.
Quarter 4 Key Moments: Mayfield’s 13-yard TD to Miller; Bland’s forced fumble on White. Shifts in Momentum: Bucs pulled within 2, but turnover sealed it. Player Substitutions/Injuries: Late adjustments. Notable Strategies: Clock management crucial for Dallas. Extra Insights: Tense finish with rally attempts.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Table (Summary)
| Quarter | Buccaneers Score | Cowboys Score |
|---|---|---|
| End of Q1 | Limited data | Leading via FGs |
| Halftime | Trailing | Ahead |
| End of Q3 | Closing gap | Maintaining |
| Final | 24 | 26 |
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats shone brightest on Mayfield and Aubrey.
Star Players and Their Stats
| Player | Team | Points/Stats | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baker Mayfield | Buccaneers | 303 yards, 2 TDs | Strong in comeback attempt |
| Brandon Aubrey | Cowboys | 4 FGs (incl. two 58-yarders) | Set NFL record for 50+ yard FGs |
| CeeDee Lamb | Cowboys | 100+ yards in first half | Dominated early |
| DaRon Bland | Cowboys | Forced fumble | Game-sealing play |
| Team | Completion % / Key Metric |
|---|---|
| Buccaneers | Mayfield efficient in yards/attempt |
| Cowboys | Rush protected ball, effective FGs |
| Category | Buccaneers | Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| Turnovers Forced | Limited | Key fumble by Bland |
| Key Defensive Plays | Pressure on Rush | Strong against run late |
Leadership and Teamwork: Rush stabilized Cowboys offense; Mayfield showed resilience in Texas return.
📈 Key Statistics
Final Score
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 24 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 26 |
| Team | Passing Yards | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buccaneers | 303 | Mayfield strong |
| Cowboys | Effective | Rush TD pass, heavy on FGs |
| Team | Turnovers |
|---|---|
| Buccaneers | 1 (late fumble) |
| Cowboys | Low |
| Stat | Buccaneers | Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | Standard | 4 (record long) |
- Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers QB): On the late fumble: “It hurts coming home and not getting the win we needed.”
- Cooper Rush (Cowboys QB): “We just kept grinding; the defense and kicking game won it for us.”
- Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys K): “Hitting those long ones feels great, especially to set a record.”
- Todd Bowles (Buccaneers Coach): “We had chances late, but turnovers kill you in close games.”
- Analyst Reaction: “DaRon Bland’s play was massive – a season highlight for the Cowboys defense.”
Quotes Summary Table
| Speaker | Quote Highlight |
|---|---|
| Mayfield | Reflecting on playoff implications |
| Rush | Praising team effort |
| Aubrey | On record-setting kicks |
- What Went Right for Cowboys: Kicking game dominated; defense forced crucial late turnover.
- What Went Wrong for Buccaneers: Late fumble cost potential game-winning drive; early defensive lapses against Lamb.
- Offensive Successes: Mayfield’s 300+ yards kept Bucs in it; Rush managed game effectively.
- Defensive Failures: Bucs couldn’t stop long FGs; Cowboys bent but didn’t break late.
- Controversial Calls/Game-Changing Moments: Bland’s strip ruled fumble before White hit ground – pivotal turning point.
- Recent Form: Cowboys won 4 of last 5 despite elimination; Bucs’ streak snapped, needing help for playoffs.
Analysis Table
| Aspect | Buccaneers | Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive Strength | Passing attack | Kicking reliability |
| Defensive Impact | Pressure inconsistent | Clutch turnover |
| Overall | Close but costly errors | Spoiler role executed perfectly |
This thrilling Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats recap underscores a game of fine margins, where kicking precision and a late defensive gem decided the outcome. The Cowboys’ victory impacted Buccaneers’ playoff path, forcing them to rely on outside help. Looking ahead, Tampa Bay aims to rebound in their final games, while Dallas builds momentum for next season. A memorable primetime clash that exemplified NFL drama.
❓ FAQs Section
What was the final score of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys game?
Dallas Cowboys won 26-24.
Who were the top performers in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats?
Baker Mayfield (303 yards, 2 TDs) for Bucs; Brandon Aubrey (4 FGs, record longs) and DaRon Bland (forced fumble) for Cowboys.
When and where was the game played?
December 22, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
What was the key moment in the game?
DaRon Bland’s forced fumble on Rachaad White late in the fourth quarter sealed the win for Dallas.
Did any players get injured?
Sterling Shepard (Buccaneers) left with a hamstring injury; Eric Kendricks (Cowboys) was inactive.
Why was this game significant?
It cost the Buccaneers control of their playoff destiny in the NFC South.
